Can you believe it’s already October? Where does the time go?
Hi! Happy first Monday of the month! It has been a little quiet around here for the past few weeks, but luckily, Secret Recipe Club is holding me accountable for at least one post this week.
Sadly, this will be one of my last SRC posts. I will miss connecting with other bloggers through this site, but it was definitely fun while it lasted.
This month, I was assigned BC Mom’s Kitchen, a wonderful blog with a lot of cool recipes I have bookmarked to make for later. The Crockpot Tapioca Pudding is definitely high on my list.
But since I have recently decided to clear out my pantry, and use (almost) everything before I go shopping again, I decided this would be the perfect way to use up those dates that have been hanging around for a while now.
And I am so glad I did!
Date Squares are some of my favourite things to buy at my local coffee shop. Every time I get a coffee, chances are I am also getting a date bar. But no more! Now that I can make it at home, I really have no reason to go out and buy an overpriced one.
This is also an excellent recipe because it is nut free, so I can bring it to work as a snack. Win win!
Mondays never tasted so good!
Date Squares
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups dates, diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add in the dates, and simmer until soft and the mixture is thick, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in the vanilla.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon and baking soda. Add in the butter and mix until it looks like coarse meal.
- Pour half of the flour mixture into the prepared baking pan, and press down. Top with the dates, followed by the remaining flour mixture.
- Place in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and it has set in the center.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
I keep meaning to bake with dates more often and keep forgetting. I think I need to get back in line and make these!
Dates are wonderful, and I am always trying to find new ways to use them – lately I've been adding them to smoothies, they give a nice sweetness.
but of course, the bars you made take dates to Nirvana level!
😉
Oh, I haven't made these in ages! I'm really needing to use things up and clean out my pantry (and freezer) too, but now I want to rush out and buy some dates so I can make some of these. I wonder if I could use some kind of combination of raisins and apples? It might just be worth a try.
I think we're all going to miss SRC. 🙁
Oh yum! I haven't had a date bar in forever. I will be trying this recipe soon. Happy Reveal Day!
I need to be like you and start using the ingredients I have rather than continuing to bring in new ones to my overcrowded pantry. These bars sound delicious!
Wow, it's perfect for eating in front of the TV too!
Date Squares are one of my favourite childhood treats, and I love the ones that my mum makes! These look FAB!
These are great. I love date bars and need to make some
Maybe other recipe-sharing projects will come up in the future! These date squares sounds amaaaazing! And yay to using up ingredients! I'm moving up the road at the end of the month, and will try and not move with five carrier bags full of just ingredients and food stuff! 😛 xx
Mmm, I crave date bars like this, especially with a big mug of coffee! And the crumbly topping looks wonderful.
I used to devour date bars all the time, but haven't had one in forever so thanks for taking me down memory lane – and reminding me I NEED these in ma life again! Awesome recipe – great one for one of your last SRS recipes!
Date squares? YES PLEASE! Great SRC recipe! — Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I bought some dates awhile ago, cause I was craving some date squares like my mom used to make, and then couldn't find her recipe. But this one looks so close to hers, I'll have to try it, soon. Well, as soon as my pantry lets me find them again. Did I mention it's holding several items hostage?
Perfect for sweet tooth cravings. Best for snack box and tea time treat too.
Ahh yes so good!
I am obsessed with the deep, sweet flavor of dates – and these squares look heavenly! Cannot wait to bite into that crumbly topping.
Yes, it’s one of my favourites 🙂
Tasted really delicious and super easy to make! Loved it! Will surely have this again, thanks a bunch for sharing! Highly recommended!
Yay, this makes me so happy to hear 🙂
This made such a great snack and I love new recipes that use dates 🙂 I will make this recipe year round, we loved it! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you liked it 🙂
Yay!! I am so glad you loved it!! 🙂
I love dates because they are sweet but full of good for you fiber. Adds oats, and you have a power-packed healthy treat.
Yes!! So good!
I’ve made date squares before, but these look wonderful! Will be trying soon!
Yay! Let me know how it goes 🙂
I just made these date squares and they came out so delicious! It’s such and easy recipe and perfect for meal prepping!
Yay!! I am so glad you liked it!
These bars were so tasty! I just love the rich flavor that the dates added — makes it so perfect for fall baking.
Agree! Thanks Amanda 🙂
I would take a coffee and one of these date squares for sure I love the touch of cinnamon and the textures are luxurious! Well done!
Yes, such a good combo!!
I’m a big fan of dates and love this recipe as the perfect snack or treat. Thanks
It’s one of my favourites 😉