Date and Nut Bars

I made these for my husband yesterday.  These have always been a family favorite.

For the Date Filling:
• 1 lb chopped dates 
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 T. butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1 cup coconut
•  
For the Crust:
• 1 3/4 cups oatmeal
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, melted 

 

To Make the Filling:

Boil dates, sugar, and water until thick, about 5-10 minutes. Add the butter, vanilla, walnuts and coconut and mix thoroughly.

Set aside to cool a bit.

 

Mix the crust ingredients together in your mixer using the whisk attachment and then press half of the mixture into a greased 9X13 pan.

Once the date mixture has cooled, press it in the pan on top of the crust.

Top with the remaining crust mixture.

 Bake them for 40 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.  Let them cool before cutting.