Classic Vegan Date Bars

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   ["Preheat the oven to 350.", "Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan (I use a straight sided one) and set aside.", "Add the chopped dates and water to a sauce pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.", "Once simmering, turn heat down to low and cook for 5 minutes (until dates are softened).", "Stir in the cane sugar and lemon juice and bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for one minute (sugar should be completely dissolved).", "Set date mixture aside and allow to cool.", "In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the remaining dry ingredients.", "Drizzle the melted butter in to the dry ingredients and gently stir to evenly combine.", "Place half of the crumb mixture in the bottom of the pan and gently press down on it until it is evenly spread out to the edges of the pan.", "Place the cooled date mixture on top and gently spread it out evenly.", "Add the remaining half of the crumb mixture to the top of the date mixture and spread it out evenly, to the edges of the pan, while gently pressing down on it.", "Bake for 30 - 35 minutes. The top should be just slightly golden brown and the edges a bit caramelized.", "Cool on a wire rack to room temperature before cutting in to 24 bars for finger desserts or 12 bars for individual desserts served with vanilla, vegan ""ice cream""."]

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.