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Date Squares




Source of Recipe


Clabber Girl






Recipe Introduction


Date squares may seem old school but adding some perks of flavor here and there updates a classic.





List of Ingredients



• Filling:
  
• 2 1/2 cups pitted dates (about 1 1/4 lbs)
  
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  
• 1 cup water
  
• 1 tsp pure vanilla
  
• 1 T lemon juice
  
• 1/4 tsp orange oil, optional
  
• Brown Sugar Oatmeal Crust:
  
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
  
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter
  






Instructions



1. Combine dates, brown sugar, water, vanilla, lemon juice and orange oil in a 2 qt saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook 1 to 3 minutes to soften dates. Remove from stove and cool well. Puree in a food processor until smooth. Clean and dry food processor.
   
2. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch square pan.
   
3. Place flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in the work bowl of food processor. Pulse to combine, then add chunks of the cold butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Pat half of mixture into pan. Spread on cooled date mixture. Top with remaining crumb mixture, as evenly as possible. Press down lightly.
   
4. Place pan on cookie sheet. This prevents bottom from browning too quickly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until top is golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes, then place in freezer for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
   






Final Comments


Makes 12 to 20 squares.