Date Squares

Date squares are the perfect sweet treat.  As the name implies, dates are the star of this dessert.
Dates are the fruit of the palm tree that grow in large bunches.  They are high in sugar, which makes it ideal for a dessert.  This is the recipe to make if you're trying to impress your guests or even just to satisfy your own sweet craving.  I guarantee you will love this dessert. Make sure you try it!

Date Filling

3 cups pitted dried dates, chopped
1 cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Oatmeal Crust

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup butter

Directions

Filling

Place the pitted dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water - about 5-10 mins.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Let cool. It should be a fairly smooth consistency. 

Preheat oven to 350F and place rack in the centre of the oven.  Use 9inch square baking pan.  

Oatmeal Crust 

In a bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.  Add butter and mix until it all comes together  crumbly.  Press about 2/3 of the mixture onto the base of the pan.

Spread the date mixture evenly over the oatmeal crust.
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the dates, press down gently to compact.

Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Once the squares have cooled completely, cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Let the date squares cool. 

Now you're ready to eat!