Canadian Date Squares: A Classic Dessert Perfect for Sharing
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Canada with this delightful recipe for Canadian Date Squares, a classic treat that combines the rich, sweet flavor of dates with a crumbly oat topping. Perfect for large gatherings or simply to indulge yourself, these squares offer a comforting blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to the cozy kitchens of Canada. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- Dates: 1 cup, chopped
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, divided
- Water: 1/4 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon
- Butter: 3/4 cup, cold and cubed
- Oats: 1 cup, old-fashioned or quick oats
Instructions:
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Prepare the Date Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring frequently, until the dates are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. This process usually takes around 10 minutes. Once done, set the date filling aside to cool slightly.
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Mix the Crumb Topping: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Next, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar and the oats. Be careful not to over-mix; the mixture should remain crumbly and have a texture that resembles coarse sand.
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Assemble the Squares: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Press half of the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base crust. Spread the slightly cooled date filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the date filling, then gently pat it down with the palm of your hand to ensure even coverage.
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Bake and Cool: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 16 squares. This will ensure that they hold their shape and are easier to serve.
Enjoy these Canadian Date Squares as a comforting dessert or a delightful snack. Their rich, sweet date filling paired with a crunchy oat topping makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them alone with a cup of tea, these squares are sure to be a hit. 🍂🍰
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 276.1
- Fat: 10.1 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5.7 grams
- Cholesterol: 22.9 milligrams
- Sodium: 138.6 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 43.9 grams
- Fiber: 3.4 grams
- Sugar: 23.2 grams
- Protein: 4.6 grams
Feel free to explore more recipes and culinary delights at Love With Recipes for more scrumptious ideas! 🌟🍽️
