Date Squares Recipe

Ingredients

For the date filling:
• 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crust and topping:
• 1½ cups rolled oats
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt

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Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Make the filling:
• In a saucepan, combine dates and water.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5–10 minutes until the dates soften.
• Mash lightly with a fork, then add sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Let it cool.
3. Prepare the crust mixture:
• In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
4. Assemble:
• Press half of the oat mixture into a greased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan.
• Spread the date filling evenly on top.
• Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the dates and gently press it down.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
6. Cool completely before cutting into squares.