Date squares have been one of my most favourite treats for a while! This take on date squares is extra special as they’re vegan, sugar free (only sweetened with dates), and loaded with only good-for-you ingredients like nuts, seeds, oats, and of course dates! They taste so rich and indulgent yet are loaded with healthy fibres and tons of nutrients! I love keeping these on hand in the freezer and defrosting whenever I need a nutrient dense afternoon or evening snack (and sometimes as a breakfast treat)!
Ingredients
Bottom:
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/2 cup almonds
– 1 cup pitted medjool dates (well packed into measuring cup)
– 1 and 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
– 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
Middle:
– 1 and 1/2 cup pitted dates
– 1/4 cup water
Top:
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or almonds
– 1 cup whole rolled oats
– 3/4 cup medjool dates (well packed)
– 1 tsp. cinnamon
– Optional: 1 Tbsp. raw honey or 1 Tbsp. coconut oil (I only use if topping seems a bit dry – usually depends on the dates!)
Instructions
– Place sunflower seeds and almonds for the base layer in food processor or high speed blender and blend until you reach a crumbly flour like consistency
– Add dates and continue blend, followed by all other ingredients for base layer, blending more after each addition
– Press base layer into an 8×8 pan (I like my bars quite thick so I only cover 3/4’s of the pan – I highly recommend doing this!)
– Make middle layer by placing dates and water on stove top on medium heat. Consistently stir, being careful to not over heat, until the dates and water becomes a paste like texture. If you want the middle mixture less thick, feel free to add a splash more water
– In the mean time, make the top layer similar to how you made the base. Do this by blending sunflower seeds/ almonds for the top layer first – followed by all other ingredients processing well after each addition
– Pour dates on top of base layer, spreading equally over top
– Lastly add the top layer on top of the dates
– Bake at 325o F convection for 20-22 minutes
– Let cool in fridge for 20-30 minutes before cutting into square size pieces
– Store these in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for any longer than that!
NOTE: If dates are quite dry, feel free to soak them in hot water and then drain. If you do this, you may need to add additional oats to the crumble layers
