DATE OAT BARS

Date Oat Bars image

My mother found this recipe many years ago. I love the citrusy taste of these treats just as much today as I did back then.-Joyce Eastman, Garden Grove, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
CRUST:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water, brown sugar and orange zest. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Cook and stir 3 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Stir in orange and lemon juices. Cool to room temperature., In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add oats and brown sugar; mix well. Set aside half for the topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. , Drop date mixture by small spoonfuls onto crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture; press down gently. Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 100mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges