Soft and Easy Date Crumble Squares
Trying to stay healthy but craving a little something sweet to go with your tea or coffee? These easy, delicious date squares fit the bill perfectly. Rich in vitamins and minerals, low-fat dates combine with oats to provide a double dose of fibre.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can mix it up entirely by hand and have it in the oven baking in no time at all. Who knew that a simple blend of sweet dates, oats, and butter could be this satisfying!
With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 22-cm (9-inch) square baking dish with parchment paper.
Simmer dates in water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes or until the dates take on a paste-like consistency. Let cool.
In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Rub in the butter until crumbly. (You can use a food processor if you prefer).
Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan. Layer with the cooled date mixture. (If very sticky use the back of a metal spoon dipped in hot water to spread more easily). Cover the dates with the remaining crumb mixture and press lightly.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack and chill before cutting into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to a week. These also freeze well – just take out 15 minutes before eating.
Notes:
- * Add the zest of half an orange or 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the date filling. I find the dates sweet enough buts some cooks add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Depends on your tastebuds!
- ** Some recipes specify quick cook oats but I found that whole oats work just fine.
If you try this, do leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out for you. If you take photos, make sure to tag me @lizqoasisorganics and #lizqoasisorganics on Instagram and Facebook.
Ingredients
Directions
With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 22-cm (9-inch) square baking dish with parchment paper.
Simmer dates in water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes or until the dates take on a paste-like consistency. Let cool.
In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Rub in the butter until crumbly. (You can use a food processor if you prefer).
Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan. Layer with the cooled date mixture. (If very sticky use the back of a metal spoon dipped in hot water to spread more easily). Cover the dates with the remaining crumb mixture and press lightly.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack and chill before cutting into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to a week. These also freeze well – just take out 15 minutes before eating.
