classic date bars

Ingredients For classic date bars

• 1 1/2 c

  water
• 1 1/2 c

  chopped, pitted dates
• 1 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 c

  all purpose flour
• 1 c

  packed dark brown sugar
• 1 c

  old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 tsp

  ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp

  baking soda
• 1/2 tsp

  salt
• 3/4 c

  unsalted butter, diced, at room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)