Date Squares Recipe
Make Date Squares Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Oat Shortbread Crust/Topping
Date Filling
Method
Oat Shortbread Crust/Topping
- 1
Prepare oven and pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal; lightly grease the parchment.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- 3
Cut in butter
Add the cold cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4
Reserve crumb for topping
Measure out about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture and place it in a bowl; this will be the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust (use the bottom of a measuring cup to press firmly).
- 5
Bake crust briefly
Bake the pressed crust in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until it is just set and beginning to turn golden around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- 6
Add topping and final bake
Once the filling is spread in the pan (see filling steps), evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Date Filling
- 7
Soften and cook dates
Place the chopped dates and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the dates soften and begin to break down and the mixture becomes thick. If the mixture looks dry, add up to 1–2 tablespoons additional water to reach a jam-like consistency.
- 8
Sweeten and flavor
Stir in the brown sugar (if using), lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking and stirring for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon if desired.
- 9
Purée filling (optional)
For a smoother filling, transfer the cooked date mixture to a food processor or use an immersion blender and pulse until smooth. For a chunkier texture, mash with a fork or potato masher to your liking. Allow filling to cool slightly (2–3 minutes).
- 10
Assemble filling on crust
Spread the warm (not hot) date filling evenly over the pre-baked oat crust, leaving an even layer—about 1/2 inch thick. Smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.