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1
Set oven to 350 degrees.
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2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
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3
For the date filling; in a saucepan combine chopped dates, sugar, water and orange juice, bring to a boil and cook, stirring with wooden spoon over medium-low heat until mixture is thickened, pushing down with a fork or a potato masher to remove the large chunks and make the mixture semi-smooth, cooking time should take about 15-20 minutes)set aside.
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4
For the crust; in a large bowl combine the cake mix with oatmeal, cinnamon and brown sugar.
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5
In a small bowl whisk together melted butter with egg and vanilla; add to the flour mixture; using clean hands mix with fingers until the mixture barely holds together.
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6
Measure out two-thirds of the mixture and pat into the bottom of prepared baking dish, pressing down with hands to cover evenly.
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7
Carefully spread the prepared date mixture over the bottom crust, spreading out to cover the pan.
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8
Cover the top with remaining oat mixture and gently pat the mixture down slightly with hands (do not pat down to much!).
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9
Bake for about 20 minutes (the top should be very light brown).
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10
Cool completely or semi-freeze before cutting (this will make slicing the bars easier).
