These Ultimate Date Bars start with a sweet buttery oatmeal crust and topping and they are stuffed with a delicious date filling.  An original Betty Crocker recipe from years ago, these are the ultimate date bars.  They are not only scrumptious but addicting too! 

For the Crust and Crumb Topping

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned oats, (I use quick)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Date Filling

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water

Prepare Date Filling; cool.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients. Press half of the oat mixture in ungreased rectangular pan, 13”x 9” x 2”. Spread with filling. Top with remaining oat mixture; press gently into filling.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool 30 minutes. Cut into 8 rows by 4 rows while warm.

Date Filling :

Mix all ingredients in 2- quart saucepan. Cook over low heat 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until Thickened.

Yield : 32 bars