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date squares dessert recipe

Decadent Date Squares

Delicious ooey-gooey date filling with an oat-based crumble topping. gluten-free.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Date Filling

  • 2¼ cups pitted dates, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp salted butter can sub plant-based margarine
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1½ tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 tsp lemon/orange zest optional

Base and Crumb Topping

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsweetened, dried, shredded coconut
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1½ cups butter can sub plant-based margarine

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper
  • In a saucepan, add filling ingredients and bring to a low simmer, stir often for 20 minutes, until very thick. Be careful not to burn.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add crumble ingredients, use hands to rub the butter into dry ingredients to form the crumble topping.
  • Press half crumb topping into the dish, press firmly to form the base.
  • Pour the date filling mixture on top of the base and spread it out evenly.
  • Next sprinkle the rest of the oat crumb mixture on top of the date filling.
  • Bake for 40 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.
Keyword baking, date squares, dates, dessert, gluten-free dessert, matrimonial bars, quick oats