Orange Date Bars from Osterberg’s Cafe in Alexandria

Orange Date Bars

Osterberg's Cafe in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • Filling:
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup dates, chopped
  • 1 cup candy orange slices, sliced
  • Batter:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup shortening
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • prepare the filling by stirring 2 tablespoons flour into sugar. In a small saucepan, stir flour and sugar mixture into the water. Add dates and boil until thick. Add sliced orange candy and cool.
  • Blend together the ingredients for the batter in a bowl. Place half of the mixture into a buttered 16.5” x 12.5” pan or two nine-inch square pans. Spread all of the filling mixture on top, then cover it with the remaining batter. 
  • Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Cool, then cut into squares.