Chocolate-Date-Oat Bars

I bought dates a while back, and I finally decided to do something with them.  I made these super easy and yummy Chocolate-Date-Oat Bars.

They are great for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast!

The crust and crumble are my favorite parts!

Chocolate-Date-Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 3 c flour
• 2 c old-fashioned oats
• 1 c sugar
• 1 3/4 t salt, divided
• 1 1/2 c butter, melted
• 1 lb pitted dates
• 1/2 c hot water
• 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine the flour, oats, sugar, 1 1/2 t salt, and melted butter in a large bowl.
• Set aside 1/3 of dough, and press remaining dough evenly onto the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x13 pan.
• Process dates, hot water, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 t salt in a food processor until smooth.
• Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in chocolate chips.
• Spread mixture evenly over dough in baking dish.  Crumble remaining dough on top.
• Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.  
• Cool completely before cutting into bars.