Healthy Oatmeal Date Bars

0 Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
5 Cream butter (or coconut oil) with sugar until combined. Add egg if using and mix until incorporated. (If skipping egg, no substitution needed.)
7 Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
6 Fold in oats. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold when pressed in your hand.
4 Press half the mixture very firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
3 Bake the bottom crust for 8–10 minutes to set.
2 Spread the date paste evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and gently press.
1 Bake 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely before cutting. For cleaner slices, chill 30 minutes first.