Date and apple squares are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of dates and the crunchiness of apples! With a simple mix of these tasty fruits, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, they make a perfect snack.
These squares are great for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty. I love packing them for a quick snack on the go—who can resist a bite of fruity goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chopped Dates: Dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. If you don’t have dates, try using dried figs or prunes—they’ll bring a similar sweetness but with different flavors.
Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and crunch. If you prefer, you can swap with pears for a different twist!
Rolled Oats: I like using rolled oats for better texture, but you can substitute with quick oats. If you have dietary restrictions, gluten-free oats work well too.
Flour: Whole wheat gives a nutty flavor. You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add nice crunch. For a nut-free version, you can skip the nuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
How Do I Get Evenly Mixed Ingredients?
A good mix of wet and dry ingredients is key to tasty squares. Start by simmering the dates to soften them, which helps create a uniform mixture. When combining wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together to maintain the texture.
- Combine the dry mix thoroughly first.
- When adding wet ingredients, use a spatula to cut through the mixture, making sure not to overmix.
- Once the ingredients are well mixed, you can ensure an even distribution of flavors in every square.
How to Make Date and Apple Squares
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup chopped dates (pitted)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Base and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. Make sure to let the squares cool completely before slicing them. You can have these delicious treats ready in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make it easier to remove the squares later, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
2. Prepare the Date Mixture:
In a small saucepan, add the chopped dates to 1/2 cup of water. Simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the dates soften and create a thick mixture. Afterward, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix everything evenly.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until the blend is crumbly. It’s okay to have some lumps!
6. Prepare the Filling:
Set aside about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping later. Add the diced apples and the cooled date mixture (and nuts if you decided to use them) into the remaining oat mixture, stirring until everything is mixed well.
7. Assemble the Squares:
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a nice layer. Then, spread the apple and date filling evenly over this base.
8. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the filling layer to finish it off.
9. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the filling bubbles just a little bit.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps them hold their shape. Enjoy your delicious Date and Apple Squares as a wholesome snack or dessert!
These squares combine the chewy sweetness of dates with the tart, fresh crunch of apples, all wrapped in a warmly spiced oat crust. Perfect for afternoon tea or lunchbox treats!
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Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith provides a nice tartness, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness or even a mix for added flavor. Just make sure the apples are firm to hold up during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Date and Apple Squares?
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Definitely! You can experiment with adding other fruits like dried cranberries or raisins. Just ensure that the total amount of fruit stays around the same so that the square’s structure remains stable.
What Should I Do If My Mixture Is Too Dry?
If your mixture seems dry, try adding a splash of milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a crumbly yet moist consistency. This will help the bars hold together better without making them too wet.
