Dates are not just a fruit; they are a powerhouse of energy, vitamins, and minerals, making them an ideal ingredient for desserts that not only tantalize your taste buds but also boost your health. Date squares, or matrimonial cake as some call it, combine the rich, sticky texture of dates with the buttery crumble of oat and flour mixture, creating a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent. Here's how you can make your own batch of these sweet, sticky, and irresistible date squares at home.
Why Date Squares?
- Nutritional Benefits: Dates are high in fiber, antioxidants, and several nutrients essential for good health.
- Versatility: You can eat them as a dessert, a snack, or even a light breakfast.
- Simplicity: With just a few ingredients, the recipe is straightforward, perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
To create these delightful date squares, gather these ingredients:
| For the Date Filling | For the Crumble |
|---|---|
| 2 cups of pitted dates | 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats |
| 1/2 cup of water | 1 cup of all-purpose flour |
| 1 tablespoon of lemon juice | 3/4 cup of brown sugar |
| 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract | 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda |
| 1/2 teaspoon of salt | |
| 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter | |
💡 Note: Make sure your dates are fresh; if they're very dry, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before use to soften them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Date Squares
1. Preparing the Date Filling
Start by placing the dates, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat:
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Let it cool slightly, then blend to a smooth paste with a food processor or blender.
🍽 Note: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can mash the dates with a fork instead of blending.
2. Crafting the Crumble
While the date filling cools:
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assembling the Date Squares
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper:
- Press half of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
- Spread the date filling over the base, smoothing it out to the edges.
- Top with the remaining crumble mixture.
4. Baking the Squares
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
⏱ Note: Cooling is essential as it allows the date filling to set and makes it easier to cut the squares neatly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as they are for a sweet treat.
- Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- They make excellent gifts when presented in a decorative box or tin.
Date squares are more than just a dessert; they are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With the rich sweetness of dates intertwined with the comforting crunch of oats and the delicate flavor of lemon, these squares are indeed irresistible. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a sweet treat to indulge in, date squares fit the bill perfectly.
Can I make date squares ahead of time?
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Absolutely, date squares can be made ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Are date squares suitable for special diets?
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Yes, with a few tweaks, date squares can be adapted for various diets. Use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version, substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for vegan options, or use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour for low-carb diets.
What can I substitute for dates if I don’t have them?
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Prunes or dried apricots can be used in place of dates, though the flavor profile will change. For a different texture, fig paste or even a combination of raisins and dried figs can work well too.
