CRANBERRY DATE BARS

Cranberry Date Bars image

Rich and fruity, these bars let you enjoy cranberries year-round. I've made batches for all kinds of church and social events. -Bonnie Nieter, Warsaw, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
GLAZE:
1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place cranberries, dates and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until berries pop, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla., Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt; stir in melted butter. Press half of the mixture into an ungreased 13x9-in. pan. Bake 8 minutes. , Spoon cranberry mixture over crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture; pat down gently. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes longer. Cool completely on a wire rack., Mix glaze ingredients. Drizzle over top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 212mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein.