Labbits Like: Date Squares

Mmmmm, date squares! Vanilla-y creamy dates sandwiched in an oatmeal multi grain crust. Yum. This makes about two dozen date square, perfect for bringing to a party or sell at a bake sale. Print and share the recipe here.

Date Square with 5 Grain Crust

Ingredients:
3 cups dried, pitted dates
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup Bob's Red Mill 5 Grain cereal
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation:

Place the dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water (about 5 - 10 minutes). 


Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature and then puree in your food processor until smooth. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter (or use a non stick cooking spray) an 8 x 11 inch (20 x 28 cm) or a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In the bowl of your food processor, place the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon. Pulse to combine. Then add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the base of the prepared pan. 

Spread the dates evenly over the oatmeal crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top of the dates. Bake for about 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool. Once the squares have cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator at least one hour or until firm enough to cut easily into squares.

These will keep, covered, in the refrigerator up to a week.

Yields: 20 - 24 squares

Recipe: Adapted from Rose Carrarini, "Breakfast Lunch Tea"