Whole Wheat Date Bars

Name: Whole-Wheat Date Bars
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups pitted dates (about 11 ounces); 3/4 cup apple cider; 1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for parchment; 1/4 cup wheat bran; 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 2/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar; 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest; 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce