Date squares
Date squares — a beloved Canadian dessert recipe.
By API | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Serves: 4
Tags: Dessert, Canadian
Ingredients
- 2.5 cup pitted dates
- 1 ml water
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 2 g oats
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 g brown sugar
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 g salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- Place the dates and water in a medium saucepan, set over high heat, and bring to a boil.
- Turn the heat down to low and simmer gently, stirring from time to time, until the mixture thickens, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla, let the date filling cool, and set it aside.
- Put the rolled oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt into a food processor and pulse three times until just combined — do not overmix.
- Add the butter to the processor and pulse until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized clumps.
- Transfer the oat mixture to a mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to distribute the butter evenly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, compacting it to form an even crust.
- Spoon the cooled date mixture over the crust and spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and press down to flatten.
- Bake on the center rack until the top is golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let the date squares cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving; store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for 2 to 3 months.