Baking > Dates > Date squares >

This is an easier, faster-to-make and maybe even cheaper alternative to the recipe for date squares. Using three times the dates and no sugar or butter, this would also make for a good breakfast bar.

An excellent recipe, though I prefer the fatty and sweet version.

With thanks to http://www.vegan-food.net/recipe/79/Date-Squares/

Crust ∞

• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 3 tablespoons water or rice milk

Filling ∞

• 3 cups dates

  • This turns out to be 1,500g (1 1/2 lbs). This was a small package and a half of dates.
• 2 cups water

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions ∞

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175C)
• Combine filling ingredients in a pot
• Simmer until the filling is mushy and soft, and the water has evaporated
• Combine the dry ingredients for the crust in a mixing bowl
• Add the oil, and mix

• Add the remaining wet ingredients and mix well

  • I also added some corn starch and water to try to congeal / harden the crust. It worked fairly well.
• Press half of the crust mixture in the bottom of a 25 x 30 centimeter (10 x 12 inch) baking pan
• Add the filling overtop of the crust mixture (don't mix it in)
• Cover the filling with the rest of the crust mixture (don't mix it in)
• Press the filling down gently so it's even
• Bake for about 35 minutes

• Cut and let cool

Thoughts ∞

This is a much faster recipe because there is no cooling time for the filling and no butter creaming.

This is sugar free, and remarkably tasty. I'd still vary this by adding sugar.