DATE-NUT HONEY BARS

Date-Nut Honey Bars image

The flavor combination here reminds me of baklava-without the hours of work! These bars are perfect for holiday gifts, party platters and bake sales. They never fail to impress. -Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup apple jelly
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/4 cups chopped walnuts
1-1/4 cups chopped dates

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Press onto bottom and 1/2 in. up sides of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until edges begin to brown, 16-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., For filling, in a large saucepan, combine honey, apple jelly and butter over medium heat; stir until jelly and butter are melted. Remove from heat; whisk in brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; whisk into honey mixture. Fold in walnuts and dates. Pour over crust; spread evenly. Bake until golden brown, 24-28 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 120mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.