Date Bars

By mangia_g2

Ingredients

• Topping:
• 8 oz pkg pitted dates, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups orange juice
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 sticks butter, softened
• 2 cups oats, uncooked
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 cup nuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut

Details

Servings 36

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium-sized pan combine dates and orange juice. Do not cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Move to a cold burner and let cool.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Mix thoroughly. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Stir in oats, coconut and nuts. Mix thoroughly.

Spray a 9x13 pan with Pam. Measure out 4 cups of oat mixture for the topping. Set aside. Press remainder into bottom of 13x9 pan. Spread date mixture evenly over crust to within 1/4 inch of edge. Sprinkle date mixture with remaining oat mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut on top and pat down gently.

Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. When completely cool, cut into bar. Store in tightly covered container.