In a medium saucepan, cook chopped dates, water, sugar and cinnamon over low heat until the dates are soft and the mixture is thickened. About 10 minutes. Stir constantly so the mixture does not burn. Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes then stir in the vanilla extract.

Heat oven to 400°F. Prepare a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray, set aside.

In large bowl, stir brown sugar and softened butter until well mixed.

Stir in dry ingredients, flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt into the butter mixture until crumbly. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Spread the date mixture evenly over the top of the bottom crust. Top with remaining crumb mixture, press the crumb mixture into the date paste.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden  brown. Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Cut into bars and enjoy.