Ingredients
- Pitted Dates (2 1/2 cups)
- Water (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Oats (2 cups)
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Brown sugar (1 cup)
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (1 cup)
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- For the date filling, combine pitted dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 6 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat, mix in vanilla, and allow to cool.
- In a food processor, blend oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pulse three times to combine without overmixing. Add unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Transfer half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down to form an even base. Spread the cooled date mixture on top, then layer with the remaining oat mixture, pressing down to flatten.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is a golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. These squares can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for 2 to 3 months.