Cook the filling ingredients in a saucepan on low heat, stirring and breaking up the mixture for about 10 minutes, until thick.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400° and line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick foil (or grease with cooking spray).
In a large mixing bowl, mix butter and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt and mix until crumbly.
Press half the crumbs onto the bottom of the baking pan.
Spread the date mixture over the crust.
Pinch the remaining crumbs to form larger crumbs for the topping. Spread over the filling, then press gently.
Bake 20-25 minutes until the topping is light brown.
Cool before slicing into bars.
