Newfoundland Date Squares
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 18-ounces dates, chopped
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups boiling water
For the Crumble:
- 2-¼ cups rolled oats large, not instant oats
- 2-½ tsp. baking powder
- 1-¼ cup unsweetened dried coconut, fine or medium cut
- 2-¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1-¼ cup brown sugar
- 1-¾ cups butter, cut in small cubes
Instructions
To prepare the filling:
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and gently simmer until thickened; about 10 – 15 minutes.
- The filling should be very thick; watch carefully, and stir constantly, in the last few minutes of cooking time.
- Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crumble mixture.
To prepare the crumble:
- In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, baking powder, coconut, flour and brown sugar.
- Using your hands, rub the butter thoroughly through the dry ingredients.
- Divide crumble mixture in half and press half into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Spread date mixture over the base.
- Top with remaining crumb mixture, pressing together in clumps, in your hands, and then breaking it into small pieces, with your fingers, to scatter evenly over the date filling; press down lightly.
- Place in pre-heated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Notes
Should you prefer these date squares with less filling, reduce the amount in the filling by 1/4, 1/3 or even 1/2.
This is a very good basic recipe; however, try these very good variations of date squares:
- Orange Date Squares: Substitute orange juice for the water in the filling and add the zest of a medium orange.
- Cocoa Date Squares: Add 4 tbsp. cocoa to the filling.
- Hazelnut or Almond Date Squares: Prepare the basic recipe and add ½ cup ground almonds or hazelnuts, plus 1 tsp. cinnamon and ½ tsp. nutmeg to the crumble.