Michael’s Favourite Date Squares

55 mins
Serves 25
https://annaolson.ca/project/michaels-favourite-date-squares/

Directions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. 2Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  3. 3Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  4. 4Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
  5. 5Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
  6. 6Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
  7. 7For the filling, place the dates, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  8. 8For the filling, place the dates, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  9. 9For the filling, place the dates, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  10. 10Bring the filling to a simmer.
  11. 11Bring the filling to a simmer.
  12. 12Bring the filling to a simmer.
  13. 13Simmer the filling, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  14. 14Simmer the filling, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  15. 15Simmer the filling, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  16. 16Remove the filling from the heat to cool while you prepare the crumble.
  17. 17Remove the filling from the heat to cool while you prepare the crumble.
  18. 18Remove the filling from the heat to cool while you prepare the crumble.
  19. 19For the crumble, stir the oats, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon by hand in a large bowl.
  20. 20For the crumble, stir the oats, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon by hand in a large bowl.
  21. 21For the crumble, stir the oats, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon by hand in a large bowl.
  22. 22Stir in the melted butter and maple syrup until the mixture is crumbly.
  23. 23Stir in the melted butter and maple syrup until the mixture is crumbly.
  24. 24Stir in the melted butter and maple syrup until the mixture is crumbly.
  25. 25Spoon two-thirds of the crumble into the prepared pan and press it in.
  26. 26Spoon two-thirds of the crumble into the prepared pan and press it in.
  27. 27Spoon two-thirds of the crumble into the prepared pan and press it in.
  28. 28Spoon the date filling (it’s okay if it’s still warm) over the crumble base and spread to level it.
  29. 29Spoon the date filling (it’s okay if it’s still warm) over the crumble base and spread to level it.
  30. 30Spoon the date filling (it’s okay if it’s still warm) over the crumble base and spread to level it.
  31. 31Cover with the remaining crumble mixture and press down.
  32. 32Cover with the remaining crumble mixture and press down.
  33. 33Cover with the remaining crumble mixture and press down.
  34. 34Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  35. 35Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  36. 36Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  37. 37Let cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
  38. 38Let cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
  39. 39Let cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
  40. 40Chill the squares before slicing.
  41. 41Chill the squares before slicing.
  42. 42Chill the squares before slicing.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups coarsely chopped pitted dates
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped pitted dates
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped pitted dates
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2.5 cups regular rolled oats (not instant)
  • 2.5 cups regular rolled oats (not instant)
  • 2.5 cups regular rolled oats (not instant)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup

Equipment

8-inch (20 cm) square panparchment papermedium saucepanlarge bowlwire rack

Tips

  • Baked squares can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Squares can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thawed on the counter, but they will be softer.
  • Chill the squares before slicing for tidier cuts.
  • Squares are best enjoyed out of the fridge for a spell.