These Tropical Pineapple Date Bars are naturally sweetened with dates, banana, pineapple, and orange juice. Made with oats, coconut, and walnuts, they feature a chewy oat crust topped with a delicious tropical fruit filling. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert whenever you’re craving a wholesome homemade treat.
Tropical Pineapple Date Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (blended oats)
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1 cup orange juice (more if needed)
- 1 (20-ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple
- 2 cups chopped dates
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend enough oats to make 1 cup oat flour.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix together the banana and orange juice.
5. Combine the juice mixture with the dry ingredients. If needed, add more orange juice to make the oat mixture hold together.
6. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Set aside.
7. Add the pineapple and dates to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently. Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened.
8. Spread the thickened fruit mixture over the oat mixture.
9. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fruit bars begin to brown.
Notes
You can use other nuts in place of the walnuts.
To make the oat flour, blend enough old-fashioned oats to make 1 cup.
If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water. Drain before adding.