Orange-Infused Date Delight: Mom’s Nostalgic Squares

Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares Recipe 🍊🥧

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 squares
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 1 review)

Description:

Anita’s Mom’s Date Squares is a delightful treat with a nostalgic touch, straight from the pages of “From Our Mothers’ Kitchens.” This recipe offers a charming blend of sweetness from dates, a hint of citrus from orange zest and juice, and the wholesome goodness of oats and whole wheat flour. Perfect for dessert, snacking, or sharing at potlucks and holiday gatherings!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 orange (juice and zest)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 3/4 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

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   • In a heavy saucepan, combine dates, white sugar, water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and grated orange zest.
   • Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring frequently, until the dates are tender and all the liquid is absorbed, usually 15 to 20 minutes.
   • Allow the filling to cool while you prepare the crust.

2. Preheat and Prep:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9-inch square cake pan and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and rolled oats until well combined.
   • In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until you achieve a crumbly and moist texture.

4. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pat two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan to form the base.
   • Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust base.
   • Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the filling layer, then lightly pat it down.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the squares just begin to turn golden.
   • Allow the date squares to cool slightly before cutting them into bars or squares.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 192.6
• Fat: 6.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7g
• Cholesterol: 15.2mg
• Sodium: 71.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 33.9g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 2.2g

Recipe Notes:

• These date squares are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts or spices to the crust mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve these delightful squares as a dessert, snack, or alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat any time of the day!