Oat-Date Bars

Ingredients:
8 ounces chopped dates
3/4 cup lowfat 2% evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. Splenda® Sugar Blend
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup Splenda® Brown Sugar Blend, packed

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray an 8x8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine dates, evaporated milk, Splenda® Sugar Blend, and vanilla in medium saucepan. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Combine butter and Splenda® Brown Sugar Blend in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Beat in flour mixture. With floured fingers, press half of crust mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan. Spread date filling over crust. Top with remaining crust mixture.
5. Bake in preheated oven 20-25 minutes or until golden. Cut into bars. Serve warm.

(Makes 16 servings)

Nutrients Per Serving: Calories 160 (calories from fat 60), Protein 3g, Fat 6g (saturated fat 4g), Carbohydrates 24g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 190mg, Sugars 14g.

Notes from Betty: Splenda® Sugar Blend for Baking is an ideal solution for families looking to make a positive change in their diet without compromising on taste, even for use in special occasion recipes. Consumers can simply substitute half a cup of Splenda® Sugar Blend for Baking for every full cup of sugar required in any recipe, and still experience the same amount of sweetness and the baking qualities of a full sugar recipe.