Adirondack Applesauce and Date Bars

Bar cookie with a spiced buttery base topped with an applesauce, date and pecan filling.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup chunky applesauce
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• no-stick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in medium bowl; set aside.

3. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl of electric mixer until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well blended. Add applesauce, dates and nuts mixing until blended. Gradually mix in flour mixture until well combined.

4. Spray a 9-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

6. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.