Name: Date Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups Dates, pitted and chopped; 1 cup Water; 0.25 cup Granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 1.5 cups Rolled oats (old-fashioned); 1 cup Brown sugar, packed; 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

A beloved classic, Date Squares feature a sweet, jammy date filling sandwiched between a buttery, crumbly oat crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying treat with coffee or tea, these squares offer a comforting taste of home-baked goodness. Carrés aux dattes, or Date Squares, are a cherished dessert particularly popular in Quebec, Canada, stemming from its rich French-Canadian culinary traditions. They emerged as a practical and delicious way to utilize dates, which were often imported and widely available. This comforting treat embodies the rustic, home-baked goodness characteristic of traditional Canadian baking, making it a staple at family gatherings and coffee breaks.

Instructions

1
Prepare the Date Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dates are softened and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
3
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs form.
5
Form the Base: Press about two-thirds of the oat crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Press firmly to create a compact base.
6
Add Date Filling: Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the oat crust in the pan.
7
Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oat crumb mixture evenly over the date filling.
8
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are lightly crisp.
9
Cool and Cut: Let the squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into individual squares. This is crucial for clean cuts.
10
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Store Date Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
•Substitution: For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water in the date filling with orange juice or even a splash of dark rum. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added to the oat mixture for extra warmth.
•Texture Tip: Ensure the date filling cools sufficiently before spreading it over the base; this prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Pressing the base firmly helps create a stable foundation.
•Fun Fact: Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of date cultivation dating back over 8,000 years in the Middle East, making them a truly ancient and globally appreciated ingredient!