About
Betty's Date Squares made with Medjool dates will be the jewel of your next gathering. The sweet date mixture is sandwiched between layers of oaty streusel for a truly unique dessert. Although there is brown sugar in Betty's Date Squares, dates are known for providing a natural sweetness and are often used in place of sugar. Double the sweetness with half the sugar!
Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 cups Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (lightly packed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- For the crust:
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup semi-salted butter, softened
Directions
Step 1 -Place the oven rack in the middle position.
Step 2 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 3 -Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over two slides. Grease the other 2 sides with butter.
Step 4 -In a pot, bring the water, dates, lemon juice, and brown sugar to a boil.
Step 5 -Add the baking soda and let simmer, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon, until the dates have fallen apart, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 -Let the filling cool.
Step 7 -In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the butter, stirring to combine.
Step 8 -Spread half of the crisp mixture in the baking dish, pressing down firmly.
Step 9 -Layer the date filling mixture on top.
Step 10 -Cover the filling with the remaining crisp, pressing down lightly.
Step 11 -Bake until the crisp is golden brown, about 55 minutes.
Step 12 -Allow the squares to cool on a wire rack for 4 hours before slicing and serving.
