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Anita's Mom's Date Squares Recipe

A nostalgic recipe unearthed from a beloved cookbook, these date squares are a delightful blend of chewy dates, zesty orange, and a buttery oat crust. This old-fashioned recipe gets a modern update with the addition of precise measurements for an easy bake. Get ready to transport your taste buds back in time with every bite!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 192.6 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Anita's Mom's Date Squares 84

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Anita's Mom's Date Squares

  • 1 cup chopped pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

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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.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

92g

Fat

18g

Carbs

11g

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Sweets & Sides Desserts American Vegetarian Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Healthy Desserts Fruit Oven Easy Potluck Dinner Party Holiday Event Kid Friendly Kosher Picnic Vegetarian Cookies And Brownies Bar Cookies Grains Stove Top Dietary Christmas Low Sodium Comfort Food Brown Bag Low In Something Citrus Oranges Pasta Rice And Grains Brunch Taste Mood To Go Equipment Number Of Servings