Super-Duper Date Squares

Dates grow on palm trees that are very drought tolerant and have a relatively low carbon footprint (about 1.1 kg CO2 emissions per 1 kg of dates). Did you know that due to their high sugar content, dried dates are very shelf stable and can keep in an airtight container for a very long time? Nutritious, sweet, and with a low carbon footprint and a long shelf life, dates are a great addition to many baked goods. 

Try them out in these super-duper date squares!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 ½ cups quick cooking oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup melted butter

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 ½ – 3 cups dates

½ cup brown sugar

1 cup water

9” x 9” pan

Directions:

Step 1.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Whisk together the flour, oats, ½ cup brown sugar, baking soda and salt. 

Step 2.

Pour in the melted butter and mix well. Pat half of the oat mixture into the pan, pressing down gently to ensure it fills all corners.

Step 3.

Put the dates, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 cup water into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until soft (~5 minutes), stirring continuously so that it does not burn. Remove from heat and continue to stir until slightly cooled and less clumpy.

Step 4.

Spread date mixture over oat mixture in pan. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.

Step 5.

Bake for 20 minutes and let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!