Date-Nut Honey Bars

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Press onto bottom and 1/2 in. up sides of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until edges begin to brown, 16-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
• For filling, in a large saucepan, combine honey, apple jelly and butter over medium heat; stir until jelly and butter are melted. Remove from heat; whisk in brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; whisk into honey mixture. Fold in walnuts and dates. Pour over crust; spread evenly. Bake until golden brown, 24-28 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.