Date Bars
Date bars have crumbly upper and lower surfaces with a date filling in the middle. Also see the Date Squares recipe.
¼ cup white granulated sugar
3 cups (1 pound) cut-up dates
1½ cup water
¼ cup shortening
½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
½ tsp baking soda
1¾ cup flour
1½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1 tsp salt
Mix the dates, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes or until thickened. Cool.
10 minutes
Cream together the butter, shortening, and brown sugar in a separate container.
Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, and oats into the crumble crust mix.
Grease a 13x9-inch pan.
Evenly press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Spread the date filling on top.
Evenly place remaining crumble mixture into the pan, pressing lightly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F, or until light brown.
30 minutes
Cut into bars while still warm.