Maple Date Bars

Kristin and I have been talking about getting a date bar recipe up here for awhile. I thought it would take a few tries but the 1st recipe I tried was awesome! I love the lemon flavor in the filling, it adds another flavor to this wonderful bar.-Sarah

1 3/4 cup chopped dates

3/4 cup water

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 t. lemon zest

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1 cup oats

1/4 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

• Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook about 12 minutes until the consistency of jam. Stir in lemon zest.
• Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. In a bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir into butter mixture until crumbly.
• In a greased 7x11 pan press 2 cups of oat mixture. Spread with cooled filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture.
• Bake at 400 degrees about 20 minutes.