Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares

👩‍🍳 Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares 🥮

What is it?
Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares are a delicious and classic dessert made from simple ingredients like dates, oats, and butter. These sweet and chewy squares are a popular treat, known for their comforting taste and nostalgic appeal.

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History:
The exact origin of date squares is a bit unclear, but they have been a beloved dessert in many cultures for generations. They likely have roots in traditional British and Scottish oat-based recipes. Over time, variations of date squares have become popular in North America and other parts of the world.

Components:

• 2 cups of pitted dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 3/4 cups of rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) for added texture and flavor

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.

2. Prepare the Date Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates, granulated sugar, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the dates break down, forming a sticky date paste. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
   • Remove the date filling from heat and let it cool while you prepare the crust and topping.

3. Make the Crust and Topping:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, softened butter, baking soda, and salt.
   • Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture.

4. Assemble the Squares:

   • Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan to create the bottom crust.

5. Add the Date Filling:

   • Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan.

6. Create the Top Layer:

   • Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date filling. You can also add chopped nuts at this stage if desired.

7. Bake:

   • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

8. Cool and Cut:

   • Allow the date squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.

Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time needed to prepare Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares is approximately 1 hour, including both preparation and baking time. This classic dessert is worth the effort, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, chewy, and buttery squares that are perfect for snacking or dessert. Enjoy! 😋🍽️

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 70-100 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Date squares are moderately high in calories, primarily due to the sugar and butter content. It’s important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Fat Content: The squares contain a moderate amount of fat, with saturated fat being the primary type. While fat is an essential nutrient, it’s advisable to limit saturated fat intake for heart health.

3. Sugar: Date squares are sweetened with dates and sugar. While the natural sugars from dates provide some nutritional benefit, added sugar should be consumed sparingly as it can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

4. Fiber: These squares contain a small amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the oats. Fiber aids digestion and can help keep you feeling full, which may prevent overeating.

5. Protein: Date squares provide a small amount of protein. However, they are not a significant source of this nutrient, so it’s essential to obtain protein from other dietary sources.

6. Nutrients from Dates: Dates themselves contain essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They are also a good source of natural sugars and fiber, making them a healthier sweetener choice compared to refined sugar.

7. Moderation: Date squares can be a delightful occasional treat, but due to their calorie and sugar content, it’s best not to indulge in them regularly, especially if you’re watching your calorie or sugar intake.

8. Balance: To enjoy date squares while maintaining a balanced diet, pair them with nutritious meals and snacks that include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredient brands used. It’s always a good practice to check packaging labels for more precise information.