Cranberry Date Bars

Submitted by Sweet Diva MJ

"From my Best of Country Cooking Cookbook collection. This is my favorite cranberry dessert - I could eat the whole pan myself! Fortunately, my family won't let me - they love them too! Even my neighbor, who doesn't like cranberries, can't resist these bars."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 48

ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries or (12 ounce) package frozen cranberries
• 1 (8 ounce) package chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, melted

• Orange Glaze

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 -3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries and dates.
2. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes or until berries pop, stirring often. (I also mash the cranberries with a fork once they are soft enough and reach the about-to-pop stage).
3. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla; set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt.
5. Stir in butter until crumbly.
6. Press half into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
7. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Spoon cranberry mixture over the crust; spread gently. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture;pat down gently.
8. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.
9. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over bars.
10. Yield: 4 dozen.

Reviews

[Roxygirl in Colorado]

I made these for coffee hour and they went fast. These are addicting and I can see how you could eat the whole pan! I used frozen cranberries and needed to add some water (about 4 tbs) to keep them from sticking. The orange flavor in the frosting really makes these. Thanks for posting! Roxygirl

 

[patti k.]

These are really good. The flavors all blend wonderfully with a great balance of sweet and tart. Thanks for posting!

 

[brian48195]

These were good. I would recommend putting 3 or 4 tablespoons of water in with the dates and cranberries to help get them cooking and bursting. That was the only thing that gave me a problem. Otherwise this was a good recipe. Thanks!