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== Date Square ==
== Date Square ==


{{Infobox recipe
[[File:Date_square.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional date square.]]
| name = Date Square
| image =
| caption =
| cuisine =
| course =
| main_ingredient = Dates, Oats, Butter
| serving =
}}


The '''Date Square''' is a delicious and popular dessert made with dates, oats, and butter. It is a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
A '''date square''', also known as a '''date bar''', is a type of dessert bar popular in [[North America]]. It consists of a layer of [[date]] filling sandwiched between two layers of [[oatmeal]] crumb mixture. The dessert is known for its sweet, rich flavor and chewy texture.


== Ingredients ==
== Ingredients ==


To make a batch of Date Squares, you will need the following ingredients:
The primary ingredients in a date square include:


* 2 cups of pitted dates, chopped
* [[Dates]]: The filling is made from dates, which are often cooked down into a paste with water and sometimes sugar or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
* 1 cup of water
* [[Oats]]: The crumb mixture typically includes rolled oats, which provide a hearty texture.
* 1 ½ cups of rolled oats
* [[Flour]]: Used in the crumb mixture to give structure.
* 1 cup of all-purpose flour
* [[Butter]]: Adds richness and helps bind the crumb mixture.
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* [[Brown sugar]]: Sweetens the crumb mixture and complements the natural sweetness of the dates.
* ½ teaspoon of baking soda
* ½ cup of butter, softened
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract


== Instructions ==
== Preparation ==


Follow these steps to make delicious Date Squares:
[[File:Date_squares_bowl.jpg|thumb|left|A bowl of date squares ready to be served.]]


1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
To prepare date squares, the following steps are generally followed:
2. In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the dates are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking soda. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and crumbly.
4. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish to form a crust.
5. Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the date layer, pressing it down gently.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into squares.


== Serving Suggestions ==
1. '''Prepare the Date Filling''': Dates are chopped and cooked with water until soft, then mashed into a paste. Some recipes add sugar or lemon juice for additional flavor.


Date Squares can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
2. '''Make the Crumb Mixture''': Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.


== See Also ==
3. '''Assemble the Squares''': Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Spread the date filling evenly over the base layer. Top with the remaining crumb mixture, pressing gently.


* [[Oatmeal Cookies]]
4. '''Bake''': The assembled squares are baked in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown.
* [[Butter Tart]]
* [[Apple Crisp]]


== References ==
5. '''Cool and Serve''': Allow the date squares to cool before cutting into bars and serving.


<references />
== Variations ==


[[Category:Dessert recipes]]
Date squares can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes. Some popular variations include:
[[Category:Sweet treats]]
 
* Adding [[nuts]] such as [[walnuts]] or [[pecans]] to the crumb mixture for added crunch.
* Incorporating [[spices]] like [[cinnamon]] or [[nutmeg]] into the filling or crumb mixture for additional flavor.
* Using [[whole wheat flour]] or [[gluten-free]] alternatives for dietary preferences.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Dessert bar]]
* [[Oatmeal]]
* [[Date (fruit)]]
* [[Baking]]
 
[[Category:Desserts]]
[[Category:North American cuisine]]

Revision as of 11:38, 15 February 2025

Date Square

File:Date square.jpg
A traditional date square.

A date square, also known as a date bar, is a type of dessert bar popular in North America. It consists of a layer of date filling sandwiched between two layers of oatmeal crumb mixture. The dessert is known for its sweet, rich flavor and chewy texture.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in a date square include:

  • Dates: The filling is made from dates, which are often cooked down into a paste with water and sometimes sugar or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
  • Oats: The crumb mixture typically includes rolled oats, which provide a hearty texture.
  • Flour: Used in the crumb mixture to give structure.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumb mixture.
  • Brown sugar: Sweetens the crumb mixture and complements the natural sweetness of the dates.

Preparation

A bowl of date squares ready to be served.

To prepare date squares, the following steps are generally followed:

1. Prepare the Date Filling: Dates are chopped and cooked with water until soft, then mashed into a paste. Some recipes add sugar or lemon juice for additional flavor.

2. Make the Crumb Mixture: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble the Squares: Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Spread the date filling evenly over the base layer. Top with the remaining crumb mixture, pressing gently.

4. Bake: The assembled squares are baked in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown.

5. Cool and Serve: Allow the date squares to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Variations

Date squares can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes. Some popular variations include:

Related Pages

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