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.