Maple Date Bars

By bjnelson55

Topped with a crumbly cookie topping, these bars are filled with gooey, fruity goodness and make a unique dessert for school parties. Just be sure to save a few for yourself!

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups dates, pitted and finely chopped (about 12-ounces)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2-ounces)
• 1 cup regular oats
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Step 1

Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; cook 12 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. (Mixture will look like jam.) Stir in rind; cool completely.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Beat sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture (mixture will be crumbly). Press 2 cups flour mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread date mixture over flour mixture. Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture.

Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Note:

Wrap these moist bars individually, or place them in a cookie tin between layers of wax or parchment paper.