Name: Raw Vegan Date Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 cups dates (any kind, but if dry(i.e. not medjool), soak in water for 15 minutes); 0.50 cup water (if the dates were soaking in water, use some of the date water); 0.50 tsp pure vanilla extract; 0.25 tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon juice (optional); 1.50 cups whole, raw almonds; 1.50 cups rolled oated; 0.50 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.50 cup dates (soaked in water if they are dry); 0.50 tsp salt; 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 tbsp maple syrup

A classic dessert

Date squares are a classic Canadian dessert. While this is typically a Fall or winter dessert square, I enjoy making these throughout the year. And once you cut out all the refined sugars and flours, you have a very good and nutritious square to be enjoyed by all. A nutty crust, gooey dates and a crumb topping. This is where it’s at.

A few simple ingredients

These squares are very easy to put together, and require minimal ingredients. Dates, oats, almonds, and a few other staple ingredients and you are set.

I have been craving date squares for a while now. While I enjoy chocolate desserts, sometimes these dried fruit squares call out to me. Normally they are not entirely plant-based when you go to a bakery or store, and so I do without. But today I decided to feed my craving.

A healthy treat

I was quite happy with the result of this recipe. A few tweaks, and the taste is sublime. They freeze well, and taste even better. The gang was quite happy when I pulled these sweet squares out. They truly are an enjoyed treat anytime of the year!

Take a step on the wild side, and try this version of a classic recipe that will bring back sweet memories of your grandma, or create new memories of your own. Let me know what you think.

Recipe

AuthorThe Hearty BakerCategoryDesserts, SnacksDifficultyBeginner

These vegan, gluten free date squares are a fantastic pick-me-up. Sweet dates, raw almonds, and oats--it doesn't get simpler than this. I make these squares to satisfy the afternoon craving for something sweet.

Yields16 Servings

Prep Time15 mins

Filling

2 cups dates (any kind, but if dry(i.e. not medjool), soak in water for 15 minutes)

0.50 cup water (if the dates were soaking in water, use some of the date water)

0.50 tsp pure vanilla extract

0.25 tsp salt

1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Crust

1.50 cups whole, raw almonds

1.50 cups rolled oated

0.50 tsp ground cinnamon

0.50 cup dates (soaked in water if they are dry)

0.50 tsp salt

0.25 cup coconut oil, melted

2 tbsp maple syrup

In a food processor blend the almonds until coarse consistency. Add the the oats, cinnamon and salt, and blend until a finer consistency. Add the coconut oil, the dates and maples syrup. Blend for a minute or two, until well combined. Set aside 3/4-1 cup of the mixture to use as topping later. Press into the prepared 8 x 8 dish.

In the same food processor (no need to rinse out), add the dates water, vanilla, salt and lemon juice(if using). Blend until the mixture is pureed and paste-like.

Spread the date mixture carefully on top of the almond-oat crust. Carefully sprinkle the 1 cup of reserved almond-oat crumb mixture on top. Press the crumb mixture very lightly on top. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours until set. Serve and enjoy.

For longer storage of the dates, pre-cut the squares, cover and place in freezer. (I like cutting into 16 square- 4 rows each way)

Ingredients