1. Prepare the Oven and Tin

• Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).

• Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Cook the Date Filling

• In a small saucepan, combine chopped dates and water.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates become soft and mushy (about 5-7 minutes).

• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Crumb Mixture

• In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

• Add the sugar and oats, mixing well.

• Rub in the cold butter cubes using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Date Slices

• Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared baking tin.

• Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the base layer.

• Top with the remaining crumb mixture, pressing it down firmly but evenly.

5. Bake and Cool

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

• Remove from oven and slice into bars while still warm.

• Allow to cool completely in the tin before lifting out the slices.