49. Date Squares

One of my fave childhood desserts out there. Sticky sweet dates with a crumble topping keep me coming back for more every time!

Date Squares

Makes one 9x9" tin

For filling:

500g pitted dates

250g water

70g brown sugar

1/2 lemon juice

1tsp vanilla bean paste

For crumble:

230g plain flour

170g unsalted butter, softened

170g rolled oats

150g brown sugar

1tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

Start by making your filling. Roughly chop your dates. Add to a saucepan with your sugar and water and bring to a boil. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until the water has evaporated and you're left with a thick paste. Remove from heat, stir in your lemon juice and vanilla paste and leave to cool slightly.

For your crumble, mix your flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt together. Rub in your butter until it resembles coarse bread crumbs. Preheat your oven to 170ºC

To assemble, press half your mixture into the bottom of your tin, spread your date paste overtop, then scatter your remaining crumble mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.