Apple Date Bars

Makes 12 large bars

For the crust:

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup honey

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 cup dates, chopped

1 cup apples, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2 inch overhang on all sides.

To make the crust, cream together butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until fluffy. Add the flour and salt and mix until crumbly.

Press the crust evenly into the foil lined pan and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium sized saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a bubble, then simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the filling over the top, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully in the pan. The bars will firm up a bit as they cool, do not over bake.

Use the foil to lift the bars from the pan and place on a cutting board. Remove the foil, cut into bars, and serve.

This dessert is perfect to hand out when you’re at a picnic or just want a casual sweet snack. Nothing fancy just goodness.

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