APRICOT DATE SQUARES

Apricot Date Squares image

Memories of her mom's fruity date bars inspired Shannon Koene of Blacksburg, Virginia to create this wonderful recipe. "I've had great results replacing the apricot jam with orange marmalade," notes Shannon.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup 100% apricot spreadable fruit or jam
1-3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and dates. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1-1/3 cups and is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. , Remove from the heat. Stir in spreadable fruit until blended; set aside. In a food processor, combine the oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add butter; cover and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. , Press 3 cups crumb mixture into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread date mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture; press down gently. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 65mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.