Aunt Theresa S Date Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Aunt Theresa S Date Bars

• Pitted Dates
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Quick Cooking Oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make Aunt Theresa S Date Bars

1. **Prepare the Date Filling:** In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups chopped pitted dates, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 cups water.
2. **Simmer the Filling:** Cook over low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the dates have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. **Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.
4. **Make the Crumble Topping:** In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup shortening, and 1 cup packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The mixture should be crumbly.
7. **Assemble the Bars:** Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
8. **Add Date Filling:** Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crumble layer.
9. **Top with Crumble:** Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the date filling.
10. **Press and Bake:** Press the topping lightly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. **Cool & Cut:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 2 x 1 1/2 inch bars.