This old fashioned date cookie bar recipe is so simple to make. The combination of graham crackers, condensed milk, and dates gives them a caramel flavor and chewy texture that is hard to beat. They are such a fun treat that is ready for a comeback.
When I saw a yellowed and tattered newspaper clipping with a recipe for “Moist Date Cooky Bars” I knew I had to try it. You know I am a sucker for old recipes.
Plus, this particular recipe had so many of our favorite things inside. We all love sweetened condensed milk recipes around here.
There is something about adding a can of that rich creamy goodness to a treat that makes it extra special. So, I was already intrigued.
I have also been having fun expanding my collection of date recipes. They have such a good natural caramel flavor and they are so versatile.
See, the goodness is already piling up. The recipe itself kind of reminded me of my classic graham cracker cookie bars.
That recipe is also built on a condensed milk and graham cracker crumb base but has chocolate chip cookie vibes. So, I already knew these were going to be a hit.
I’ll have to say, I wasn’t wrong! 😉 These fun cookie bars come together in a jiff and were a hit at family dinner. They are definitely worth bringing back.
Carlee’s Tips and Tricks
This recipe is so simple, there aren’t a lot of tips and tricks to share. But, here are a few things to help guarantee success:
Most grocery stores sell graham cracker crumbs that are ready to use. However, you can make your own with a blender or food processor. I just processed a sleeve of graham crackers to make the crumbs.
If you don’t have a lemon, just skip the zest and use bottled lemon juice. It will loose a tiny bit of brightness but will still be delicious.
The original recipe said to bake the mixture in a well greased pan and then cut and remove them before they cooled. I’ll be honest, that made me nervous that they might stick.
So, I used my favorite trick for making bars and lined the pan with parchment paper. That practically guarantees they won’t stick to the pan.
That worked wonderfully, and I would highly recommend it for these bars, fudge, and so many other treats.
I haven’t tried it, but I could imagine tossing in a handful of nuts or shredded coconut would be delicious.
If you want to make a double batch, use a 9×13-inch pan and follow the directions otherwise.
I think that’s about it. Let’s make the date cookie bars!
Old Fashioned Date Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dates
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. (Grease the pan well if you don't have parchment paper.)
- Remove the pits from 1½ cups dates if necessary. Then give chop them coarsely. They don't have to be tiny pieces but you do want them small enough to distribute throughout the bars.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the chopped dates, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, 1½ teaspoons lemon zest, and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cut into squares and cool before serving.
Notes
Video
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Check out my collection of dessert bar recipes for more tasty inspiration.
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