Memories of my mom’s fruity date bars inspired me to come up with this wonderful treat. Occasionally I replace the apricot jam with orange marmalade.
—SHANNON KOENE BLACKSBURG, VA
PREP: 45 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 3 DOZEN
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 flaked coconut
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Press 3 cups of crumb mixture into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread the date mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture; press down gently.
4. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.
PER SERVING 1 bar equals 147 cal., 5 g fat (3 g sat. fat), 10 mg chol., 65 mg sodium, 25 g carb., 1 g fiber, 1 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 fat.