Date Squares

Date squares are pretty much a staple at any bakery, coffee shop and in many a kitchen.  But when trying to find a recipe on my favorite vegan go-to site, vegweb.com, I found not a single date square recipe - go figure!  It had me so confused with disbelief that I spent about half an hour looking, and then came back later in the day again just to make sure.  Very odd.  So I dug up an old recipe I'd made up over a decade ago and modified it to fill a bigger pan.  Hey - if you're going to the trouble of making something you may as well make lots!  So here's my modified version which fills my roughly 9" x 12" stoneware baking pan.

The base turned out a little thicker than I personally wanted, but my husband loves it and it does taste really good. Next time I think I'll reduce the base ingredients by a touch.


filling ingredients:

• 4 cups dates
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

base ingredients:

• 2 cups flour (I use whole spelt flour)
• 3/4 cup oats (whole or quick)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup Earth Balance, softened
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup soy / rice / almond beverage, plain or vanilla
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

topping ingredients:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/3 cup nuts (I use a mix of slivered almonds & walnut crumbs)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the filling place the dates and water in large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer with lid removed for 10 - 15 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Prepare a large baking dish, I use a lasagna tray that's about 9" x 13", by rubbing in some Earth Balance.

Prepare the base layer:  Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the wet and mix well.  Press into the baking dish to make a firm, even layer.

To make the topping, combine the dry ingredients in the empty bowl you used for the base layer.  While stirring drizzle in the oil and vanilla and mix until you've achieved a crumbly texture. Set aside.

Pour the date - water mixture into a blender, add the maple syrup and blend until smooth. You will likely have to do this in two batches.  Careful of any pits - they'll make a terrible racket and could damage your blade.

Pour the date mixture over the base layer and smooth it out nice and evenly.  Spread the crumbly mixture over top and pop into the oven.  Bake 30 minutes or until topping is slightly browned.