Frosted Orange Date Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 cups chopped dates
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the orange juice and zest. Fold in the dates and walnuts. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the orange juice until the mixture is of a spreadable consistency. Spread over the cooled bars.
5. Cut into bars and serve.

Interesting Facts

• Dates are a type of dried fruit that is native to the Middle East, and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and protect against disease.