Raw Vegan Date Squares

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.

AuthorThe Hearty BakerCategory, DifficultyBeginner

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
1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

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

Directions

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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)

Raw Vegan Date Squares
IngredientsDirections