Date Maple Cream Bars

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9-inch pan. In medium saucepan, combine all filling ingredients. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Cool slightly.
• 2

  Meanwhile, lightly spoon flour into measuring cup, level off. In medium bowl, combine flour, oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar and baking soda; mix well. With pastry blender or fork, cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups oat mixture for topping. Press remaining oat mixture evenly in bottom of greased pan to form base.
• 3

  Bake at 350°F. for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven. Spoon filling evenly over partially baked base. Sprinkle with reserved topping. Return to oven; bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown and set. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.