Maple-Date Bars

These bars are covered with crumbly cookies, filled with a sticky fruit flavor and are a unique dessert for school parties. (Just don't forget to keep a few pieces for yourself!)
Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; cook for 12 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. (The mixture will look like jam.) Add the zest; cool completely.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Beat the sugar and butter with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup; smooth with a knife. Combine flour, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt. Mix the flour mixture with the sugar (the mixture will turn out crumbly). Squeeze 2 cups of the flour mixture into the bottom of a 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread the date mixture over the flour mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining flour mixture. Bake at 400 ° C for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.