Rich and creamy pureed dates nestled between two layers of crispy, buttery oatmeal crust—Date Squares are the stuff of dreams. Simply irresistible!
INGREDIENTS
For the Date Mixture
- 500g (17.65 oz) pitted dates
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) orange juice
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt (Himalayan salt recommended)
For the Crumble
- 1 cup (240g | 8.5 oz) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g | 7.1 oz) light brown sugar
- 1-1/2 cups (145g | 5 oz) rolled oats
- 1-1/2 cups (190g | 6.8 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Date Mixture: Combine all the ingredients for the date mixture in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates, leaving a smooth and creamy mixture. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Crumble: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using a wooden spoon until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring gently until the mixture is combined but crumbly.
- Assemble the Layers: Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Spoon the cooled date mixture evenly over the base, spreading it gently to the edges. Crumble the remaining oat mixture loosely over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill completely, preferably overnight.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy!
