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Orange Date Crumble Bars

Add a citrus twist to traditional date crumbles, also known as Matrimonial Bars, with the simple addition of orange juice and zest. Orange Date Crumble Bars - a delicious citrus twist on traditional date crumbles or "Matrimonial Bars". The buttery oatmeal and coconut crumble is also what makes this recipe the best.
Course Cookies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 3 dozen
Author Barry C. Parsons

Ingredients

For the filling

  • 18 ounces dates chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups orange juice
  • zest of one large orange finely grated or minced
  • 1/2 cup boiling water

For the crumble

  • 2 cups large rolled oats large
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups butter cut in small cubes

Instructions

For the filling

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper if you want.
  2. As noted in the recipe description, some people prefer these date squares with less filling so you can reduce the amounts in the filling by 1/4, 1/3 or even 1/2 if you prefer.
  3. In a medium saucepan combine and gently simmer all of the filling ingredients until thickened (about 10-15 minutes).
  4. The filling should be very thick; you will need to watch it carefully and stir constantly in the last few minutes of cooking time so that it doesn't burn.
  5. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crumble mixture.
  6. To prepare the crumble
  7. In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, baking powder, coconut, flour and brown sugar.
  8. Using your hands, rub the butter thoroughly through the dry ingredients.
  9. Divide crumble mixture in half and press half into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  10. Spread date mixture over the base.
  11. Top with remaining crumb mixture, pressing it together in clumps in your hands and then breaking it into small pieces with your fingers to scatter evenly over the date filling.
  12. Press down lightly.
  13. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  14. This is a very good basic recipe but I have also had very good variations of date crumbles over the years.