The Best Date Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 cups pitted dates, cut up
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, optional
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon water