Dream Bars

One of my best childhood memories is my hometown bakery.  My sister and I would stop by on our way home from school almost everyday.  I had quite a few favorites such as huge butter cookies, cream horns dusted with powdered sugar, and date nut bars.  All of the above were enjoyed with a Tab or a big cup of coffee depending on the season and the weather.  I have been searching for the recipe to make the perfect date nut bars and this one is pretty close.  The bottom layer is similar to a shortbread cookie and the top layer is a mixture of dates, coconut,  and nuts.   Delicious!    Sorry, but I’ve got to run.  I brought home school work which is calling my name.  I have about 400 papers that are graded, but have not been put into the gradebook.    So I am off to do my real job!

Dream Bars from Gracious Goodness 

Yield about 4 dozen bars

Ingredients

Crumb Crust

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup dates, chopped

Directions

1. Lined a 13 x 9 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix  ingredients for the crust, butter, flour and brown sugar until crumbly and pat into a 9 x 13 inch pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  It will look like lacey candy.
4. Cool completely.
5. Mix brown sugar, beaten eggs and vanilla together.
6. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt then add to the sugar mixture.
7. Fold in coconut, nuts, and dates.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Do not overcook.
9. Cool in pan and cut into squares.
10. Enjoy!

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