Canadian Date Squares

PCrocker's Note:

These date squares are a childhood favorite.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

• 8 ounces dates, cut up
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups oats (not instant)

Directions:

1. Combine dates, 1 TBSP brown sugar, and water in small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook, stirring often, until dates are soft enough to be mashed with a fork.
3. Set aside.
4. In mixer bowl, blend flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.
6. Stir in brown sugar and oats.
7. Do not over mix.
8. Mixture should stay crumbly.
9. Press half of crumb mixture over bottom of lightly buttered 8x8-inch pan to form bottom crust.
10. Gently spread date filling over bottom crust.
11. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over date filling.
12. Lightly pat with palm of hand to even out.
13. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
14. Cool completely and cut into squares.

Reviews

[theauthenticnut]

After reading the comments I used the entire block of pitted dates I had, 375 grams, just over 1 1/2 cups, increased the water to about 3/4 cup and added 2 teaspoons of orange zest and some almond extract. They smell absolutely delicious, and I'm sure they'll taste even better, just waiting for them to cool now! Thanks for the recipe! : )

[2boyzmum]

These were a hit with parents and kids alike at a recent potluck. I added a few extra dates based on other reviews, and they turned out great! Thanks for sharing!

[Marina K]

Thanks for sharing a delicious recipe. I doubled the recipe and baked it in a 9x13. I too noticed that there didn't seem to be quite enough filling as I was spreading it out. The end result was fine, but for the sake of my anxiety levels, I'll increase the filling by half again next time. (There will definitely be a next time!)