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Orange Date Squares

Orange Date Squares
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Orange Date Squares offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring a chewy date filling infused with fresh orange zest and juice, all nestled in a buttery, crumbly oat crust. These wholesome squares are ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or desserts, combining simple ingredients with bright citrus notes for an indulgent yet healthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Date Filling

  • 1 ½ cups Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
  • ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Oat Crust

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil/vegan butter for vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Date Filling: Pit and chop the Medjool dates. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir frequently as the dates soften and meld into a thick, jam-like filling. Once thickened, set aside and allow to cool.
  2. Make the Oat Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized bits remaining.
  3. Assemble the Squares: Grease a baking pan and firmly press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Spread the cooled date and orange filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and gently press down without compacting it fully.
  4. Bake and Cool: Bake the assembled squares in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan to let the filling set before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use freshly zested and juiced oranges for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Keep the oat crust mixture crumbly to ensure a tender texture.
  • Chop dates uniformly for even cooking and a smooth filling.
  • Cool completely before cutting to prevent filling oozing.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • For variation, add chopped nuts, spices, or substitute ingredients as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange date squares, date bars, oat crust dessert, gluten-free dessert, vegan option, citrus date bars, healthy snacks

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/orange-date-squares/