DATE NUT DREAM BARS

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Date Nut Dream Bars image

There are many variations of this recipe and I have tried several. This is the one I like best. It is a very versatile recipe because you may substitute whatever dried fruits or nuts you have on hand for what the recipe calls for. The base is a delicious, buttery shortbread and I love the butter icing. Store these in the fridge so that the icing stays firm.

Provided by Irmgard

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 55m

Yield 40 bars

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 cup candied cherry, quartered
1/2 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups icing sugar

Steps:

  • Line a 9" x 13" metal cake pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a bowl, beat together the butter, sugar and salt until fluffy.
  • Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour.
  • Press into the prepared pan and bake in the centre of a 350 degree F oven until golden, about 20 minutes.
  • Let cool in the pan on a rack.
  • To make the filling, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and almond extract in a bowl.
  • Stir in the flour and baking powder until smooth.
  • Stir in the walnuts, cherries and dates.
  • Spread over the cooled base and bake in the centre of a 350 degree F oven until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes.
  • Let cool completely in the pan on a rack.
  • To make the icing, beat together in a bowl the butter, milk and vanilla until creamy.
  • Add half of the icing sugar and beat just until combined.
  • Beat in the remaining icing sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Spread over the filling.
  • Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

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