Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; cook 12 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. (
Mixture will look like jam.) Stir in rind; cool completely.
Preheat oven to 40
Beat sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife.
Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture (mixture will be crumbly). Press 2 cups flour mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
Spread date mixture over flour mixture.
Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture.
Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
