Date Oatmeal Squares

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Next, combine dates, two-thirds cup of brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan over low heat. Gradually cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the dates have become soft and have absorbed the liquid, resulting in a smooth paste-like consistency. This should take about 10 minutes.

After that, remove the saucepan from the heat source and stir in vanilla to enhance the flavor.

Then, combine oats, flour, one cup of brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Use a knife or pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.

Once you have achieved this mixture, press two-thirds of it into the bottom of a 9x9-inch pan. Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust; sprinkle the remaining crumbs evenly over the top of the date mixture.

Finally, bake the bars in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown. This should take about 30 minutes. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing into individual bars.