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.

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
Directions
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)