Desserts
Date Bars
Description
Hello, date lovers! Here’s an earthy-sweet treat that’s ready in about an hour—plus, it will give you a week of wonderful desserts and afternoon snacks that the whole family will love. The filling for these classic date bars is made with just 3 ingredients and 1/4 cup of sugar, making the most of the date’s intense natural sweetness. Sandwiched between a brown sugar and oat crumble, these taste so wonderful. Enjoy your date bars with a cup of coffee and a little me-time in the afternoon or a big scoop of ice cream after dinner. Or better yet, both!
Ingredients:
- Date Filling
- 3 cups chopped pitted dates (1 lb)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Bars
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- In 2-quart saucepan, cook Filling ingredients over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool 5 minutes.
- Heat oven to 400°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening.
- In large bowl, stir brown sugar and butter until well mixed. Stir in flour, oats, baking soda and salt until crumbly. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Spread with filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture; press lightly.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool 5 minutes in pan on cooling rack. Cut into 6 rows by 6 rows while warm.
