Polynesian Bars

Submitted by VNess

"A low-guilt sweet treat that my hippie mother made all the time. So good, most people don't guess they're not terrible for you."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 24

ingredients

• Filling

• 2 cups chopped dates
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 1⁄2 cups crushed pineapple (about 1 can)

• Crust

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup coconut
• 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup oil

directions

1. Combine filling ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to low boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Continue to stir/cook until mixture reaches a thick consistency and the dates have absorbed the juice.
2. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Then, in a medium-large bowl, combine ingredients for the crust. Once mixed fully, it will be crumbly, but slightly sticky.
4. Press about half of the crust mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Top with the filling, then crumble the remainder of the crust mixture atop the filling.
5. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool thoroughly before cutting.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

Sooooooo NICE! These bars are really great, & a nice change from the usual, what with the use of whole wheat flour! I liked the combination of dates & pineapple in the filling, as well as the coconut & OJ in the crust. Got to admit that I added about 1/2 tablespoon of finely minced orange zest, but that was my only contribution! Many thanks!