Date Squares

I used to scout out date squares at bake sales when I was a kid. Definitely my favourite bar. I love the textures and flavours; buttery, crumbly crust; sweet, sticky date filling. A treat all the time!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups pitted dates
• 1 1⁄2 cups  orange juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups  firmly-packed brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups butter, cut into pieces
• 1  cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts or 1  cup pecans
• 1 1⁄2 cups old fashioned oats

Directions

1. Simmer dates in orange juice and cinnamon for 30 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. (be careful not to scorch mixture if it gets too thick)
2. Combine flour, salt and brown sugar and cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in coconut, nuts and oats.
3. Press half of dough mixture into bottom of 9 x 13 inch pyrex baking dish. Pat dough flat with a sheet of wax paper on hand.
4. Spread date mixture to within a half inch of edges.
5. Top with remaining dough and flatten lightly with wax paper on hand.
6. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190C) oven for 45 minutes, or until golden.
7. Let cool in pan and cut into 24 bars (4 long strips cut by 6 shorter strips).