Anita S Mom S Date Squares Recipe

Ingredients for Anita S Mom S Date Squares

• Pitted Dates
• White Sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Orange
• All Purpose Flour
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Baking Soda
• Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

How to Make Anita S Mom S Date Squares

1. **Make the Date Filling:** In a heavy saucepan, combine 1 cup chopped pitted dates, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and 1 tablespoon grated orange zest.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until dates are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
5. **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 cup rolled oats.
7. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The mixture should be crumbly.
9. Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
10. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust.
11. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the filling and pat gently.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
13. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.