Cranberry Date Bars

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 35 min. + cooling

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Dec. 08, 2022
Rich and fruity, these bars let you enjoy cranberries year-round. I've made batches for all kinds of church and social events. -Bonnie Nieter, Warsaw, Indiana
Cranberry Date Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
  • 1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • GLAZE:
  • 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place cranberries, dates and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until berries pop, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
  2. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt; stir in melted butter. Press half of the mixture into an ungreased 13x9-in. pan. Bake 8 minutes.
  3. Spoon cranberry mixture over crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture; pat down gently. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes longer. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Mix glaze ingredients. Drizzle over top.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 339 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.