Date Squares-Canada #58

Martha's Date Squares- Canada #58

A date filled bar with a chewy, oatmeal crust. This is a take on my dear friend's recipe, which her whole family loves, especially Roxxie.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 c. rolled oats
1-1/2 c. sifted cake flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1-1/3 c. packed brown sugar, divided
3/4 c. butter, softened
3/4 lb. pitted dates, diced
1 c. water
1 tsp. lemon juice

1. Preheat oven 350F.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cake flour, salt, 1 cup brown sugar, and baking soda.
3. Mix in the butter until crumbly.
4. Press 1/2 the mixture into the bottom of a 9" square baking pan.
5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and 1/3 cup brown sugar.
6. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened.
7. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat.
8. Spread the filling over the base, and pat the remaining crumb mixture on top.
9. Bake for 20-25 mins. or until top is lightly toasted.
10. Cool before cutting into squares.

Results: I followed the recipe exactly. I thought the squares were delicious. However, others thought they were too sweet. Next time, I will use less brown sugar. I did add extra dates, about a 1/4 cup. Really cool them before cutting and removing from pan.  I couldn't wait so the first square was a bit crumbly.

Bottom Line: I would definitely make these again. They were yummy!

Please share this blog with folks who would like a quick date that's a bit square and all the bakers in your life. Thanks.