Date Squares (Classic Verson) - Joyofbaking.com

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option and adds a subtle flavor.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: unbleached flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

dates

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs offer similar sweetness and texture.

Cook 3 cups of dried pitted dates in 1 cup of water over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and most of the water is absorbed.

Remove the dates from heat, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and let cool to room temperature before pureeing in a food processor.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by lightly buttering it or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, and lining the bottom with parchment or wax paper.

In a food processor, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pulse to mix.

Add 1 cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) to the dry ingredients in the food processor and pulse until the mixture is crumbly.

Press about 2/3 of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

Spread the pureed date mixture evenly over the crust.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the date filling and gently press down.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

Let the date squares cool on a wire rack until at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting into squares.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens