date squares

Newfoundland Date Squares Recipe

Newfoundland Date Squares are a beloved treat in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. These delicious bars have a rich and buttery oat base, filled with a sweet, sticky date filling. They are perfect for tea time, as a dessert, or even a snack. The combination of oats and dates offers a balance of texture and sweetness that is hard to resist.

Newfoundland Date Squares

Preparation Time:

• Active prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Intensity Level:

Beginner to Intermediate This recipe is quite easy and perfect for beginners who want to try baking from scratch, though it requires a little attention to detail when making the filling and ensuring the bars don’t overbake.

Yields:

Makes 12-16 squares

Ingredients:

For the Date Filling:

• 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Oat Base and Topping:

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons water (if needed to bind the mixture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Date Filling

1. Prepare the dates: In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook the filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the dates soften and the mixture thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract once the mixture has thickened. If the filling gets too thick, you can add a splash more water to keep it spreadable.
3. Cool the filling: Once the date filling is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the oat base.

Step 2: Prepare the Oat Base and Topping

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together.
3. Add the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, to help bind it together.
4. Press half of the mixture into the pan: Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it’s packed evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Date Squares

1. Spread the date filling: Once the date filling has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the oat base in the baking pan.
2. Top with the remaining oat mixture: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date filling, pressing it down gently.
3. Bake the squares: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the squares: Let the date squares cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the filling to set properly.
2. Cut into squares: Once the squares have cooled slightly, cut them into squares or bars. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Date filling texture: If the date filling is too thick, add a little more water while cooking it. If it’s too runny, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Butter temperature: It’s important that the butter is cold when mixing it into the dry ingredients. This helps create a crumbly texture for the oat base.
• For a twist: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat base for added flavor. Some variations of this recipe also use coconut, walnuts, or raisins.
• Make ahead: These date squares can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition (Per Square, based on 16 squares):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Final Thoughts:

Newfoundland Date Squares are a perfect blend of sweet and buttery, with a wonderful balance of textures. The chewy date filling is complemented by the crunchy, buttery oat base, making these squares a great treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon at home or sharing them with friends and family, these bars are sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate treat!