Date Squares

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 400 grams pitted dates
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Simmer the dates, water and lemon juice until the dates are soft, then stir in vanilla and cool the filling.
2. Step 2.Heat the oven to 350°F and line a square baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for lifting.
3. Step 3.Rub oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together until a coarse crumble forms.
4. Step 4.Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the lined pan to make an even base.
5. Step 5.Spread the cooled date filling over the base, then scatter the remaining crumble evenly over the top.
6. Step 6.Bake until golden, cool fully, chill briefly for sharp edges, and cut into squares.