Cinnamon Pecan Date Bars
Filling
12 to 16 oz chopped dates (about 3 cups cut up)
1 1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Combine chopped dates and water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer gently until thickened, about 10 - 15 minutes.
Add lemon juice, stir well. Add cinnamon and stir again.
Crust and Crumb Topping
1/2 cup coconut oil softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cup large flake oatmeal
1 Cup chopped pecans
Grease a 8 X 11 inch or 9 inch square pan or line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 F
Cream coconut oil and sugars together well.
Add flour and baking soda and stir to combine. Add the oatmeal and pecans and mix the ingredients with your hands.
Press 2/3 of the mixture into the pan firmly. Spread the date filling evenly over the base and sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Spread evenly and pat gently .
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and cut into bars or squares.
Keep covered in the refrigerator or freeze.
