Frosted Orange Date Bars

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, ½ cup softened butter, water, and chopped dates. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dates have softened and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the date mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in ¼ cup orange juice, milk, eggs, and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Fold in the chopped pecans. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan before frosting. (20 minutes)

Recipe View 7 mins To make the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together confectioners' sugar, ⅓ cup softened butter, cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon orange zest until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining 2 ½ tablespoons orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. (7 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve. (3 minutes)