Date Squares
A Canadian dessert with a date filling sandwiched between oat crusts, baked until golden and cut into squares.
Steps
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F 177 °C · 350 °F · Gas 4 · Medium heat (180°C 180 °C · 356 °F · Gas 4 · Medium heat) and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- 2
To make the date filling, combine dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until thickened (about 6 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool; set aside.
- 3
In a food processor, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt; pulse until just combined.
- 4
Add butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly and pea-sized; transfer to a mixing bowl and blend in the butter until evenly incorporated.
- 5
Spread half of the oat mixture in a flat, even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- 6
Spread the date filling over the crust, then evenly cover with the remaining oat mixture.
- 7
Press down to flatten the top layer.
- 8
Bake in the center of the oven until the top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.
- 9
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
- 10
Date Squares keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
