The BEST Easy Date Squares
Prepare These Thick & Delicious Squares in 1 Hour!
I walk around my neighborhood a lot, which really works up my appetite so when I get hungry MOST of the time I buy a date square. It is my favorite sweet snack to give me energy when I’m out. First of all you can get them anywhere, Starbuck’s, local bakeries, and even the grocery store. Second of all, they’re sweet and delicious! I figure that I’m eating fruit and oatmeal so it’s got to be a healthy snack, right? Well, today, for the first time ever, I decided to bake a homemade batch of date squares and it was so simple! I found the recipe at JoyofBaking.com, and although it calls for a food processor, which I don’t have, I found an alternate way, plus it cut back on my dish washing. When I made the date filling in the saucepan, I used a potato masher to smooth out the lumps. Then, when making the oatmeal crust, I used my clean hands to incorporate the butter into the dry mixture. This dessert was easy, quick and even better than the ones I buy at the store. And they even smell amazing while they’re baking! I think you’re going to thank me for this one. Enjoy!
THE BEST EASY DATE SQUARES
Date Filling:
3 cups (400 grams) pitted dates
1 cup (240 ml) water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Oatmeal Crust:
2 cups (200 grams) old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (140 grams) all purpose flour
3/4 cup (160 grams) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (226 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Date Filling: Place the dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water (about 5 – 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature and then puree in your food processor until smooth or use a potato masher. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter (or use a non stick cooking spray) an 8 x 11 inch (20 x 28 cm) or a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Oatmeal Crust: In the bowl of your food processor, place the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon. Pulse to combine. Then add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the base of the prepared pan.
Spread the dates evenly over the oatmeal crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top of the dates. Bake for about 30 – 40 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool. Once the squares have cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator at least one hour or until firm enough to cut easily into squares.
These will keep, covered, in the refrigerator up to a week. Makes about 20 – 2 inch squares.