Description
Date squares blend traditional Canadian comfort with wholesome oat-based goodness, delivering rich caramel-like sweetness nestled between golden crumbly layers. Delightful home bakers and dessert enthusiasts will discover pure nostalgic pleasure in this classic Prairie recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling:
- 2 cups (473.18 ml) dates, chopped (Medjool or Deglet Noor)
- 1 cup (236.59 ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Base and Topping Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (354.89 ml) rolled oats
- 1 cup (236.59 ml) flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 3/4 cup (177.44 ml) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Binding Ingredient:
- 3/4 cup (177.44 ml) butter, melted
Optional Sweetener Variation:
- Coconut sugar (can be swapped for brown sugar)
Instructions
- Craft the date foundation by gently simmering chopped dates with water and baking soda in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring periodically until the mixture transforms into a luscious, thick compote.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the date mixture, allowing it to infuse subtle warmth and depth, then set aside to cool and develop flavor.
- Create a rustic oat crumble by blending rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients, using a fork to distribute evenly and generate a textured, granular consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Distribute half of the oat crumble across the dish’s base, pressing firmly to establish a compact, sturdy foundation.
- Delicately spread the cooled date filling in a uniform layer atop the initial oat crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble over the date layer, gently pressing to create a rustic, textured topping.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, enticing hue.
- Remove from the oven and allow the date squares to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and maintains structural integrity.
- Once thoroughly cooled, slice into precise squares and serve as a delectable, wholesome treat.
Notes
- Soften Dates Perfectly: Simmering dates with water and baking soda breaks down their tough texture, creating a smooth, spreadable filling that’s rich and luscious.
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use melted butter at room temperature to ensure even distribution through the oat crumble, creating a consistent, crispy texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Storage Tip: Store date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing their delightful crumbly texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 201
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg