Step 1

With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to

Step 2

Line an 8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper or grease the baking dish with a bit of butter.

Step 4

In a pot, bring the dates, apple cider, lemon juice, orange juice, citrus zest, and salt to a boil.

Step 6

Add the baking soda and simmer for five minutes, stirring constantly until the dates have fallen apart.

Step 8

Let cool.

Step 10

In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 12

Add the butter and break the butter up into small clumps to incorporate into the mixture until butter pieces are approximately pea-sized. (Optional: add the ground flaxseed and one egg white for extra protein.)

Step 14

Spread half the crisp in the baking dish and press firmly.

Step 16

Spread the date mixture evenly.

Step 18

Cover with the remaining crisp and press lightly.

Step 20

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crisp is golden brown.

Step 22

Allow to cool completely before cutting into them.