Date Squares: A Sweet and Chewy Delight
If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy indulging in delicious treats, then you must try date squares! Date squares, also known as date bars or matrimonial bars, are a popular dessert made with layers of sweet and chewy date filling sandwiched between a crumbly oat crust. They are loved for their rich flavor, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation. But what exactly are date squares, and what makes them so special? Let’s dive into the world of date squares and discover all there is to know about these delectable treats.
Introduction to Date Squares
Date squares are a type of dessert that is made with dates, a sweet and naturally sticky fruit that is often used in baking. The dates are typically cooked down with water, sugar, and sometimes spices, to create a thick and luscious filling that is then sandwiched between layers of crumbly oat crust. The crust is made with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar, which gives it a deliciously crunchy and buttery texture. The combination of the sweet and chewy date filling with the crumbly oat crust creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.
History and Origins of Date Squares
The exact origins of date squares are uncertain, but they are believed to have originated in the Middle East or North Africa, where dates have been cultivated for thousands of years. Dates were highly prized for their natural sweetness and nutritional value, and they were often used in various culinary preparations, including desserts. Date squares gained popularity in Western countries, particularly in Canada and the United States, during the 20th century, and they have since become a beloved treat in many households.
Popular Variations of Date Squares
While the classic date square is made with a simple oat crust and date filling, there are several variations of this delicious dessert that you can find. Some popular variations of date squares include:
Walnut Date Squares: These date squares are made with a layer of chopped walnuts added to the date filling, resulting in a nutty and crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of the dates.
Coconut Date Squares: These date squares are made with shredded coconut added to the oat crust or the date filling, giving them a tropical twist and a hint of nutty flavor.
Chocolate Date Squares: These date squares are made with a layer of melted chocolate added to the date filling, creating a rich and indulgent twist on the classic recipe.
Orange Date Squares: These date squares are made with orange zest and juice added to the date filling, resulting in a tangy and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates.
These are just a few examples of the many variations of date squares that you can find. You can also experiment with different nuts, spices, or flavorings to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
– 1 cup of butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
-1 ½ cups of chopped dates
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Mix together until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture and spread the remaining mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the dates with the reserved crumbly mixture.
5. Spread the date mixture evenly over the crumbly mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake the date squares in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
