Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Free Date Squares

Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Date Squares are one of my favourite treats to indulge in.

They’re somewhat healthy…right?

My mom’s Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Date Square recipe that I adapted is also my good friend Anne’s favourite. While out in Vancouver on my Girls’ Getaway Trip, I quickly whipped up a batch for our dessert while Anne and Michelle worked on appetizers and dinner.

As the prep and baking was done in haste…I made another batch once at home for pictures…and more indulging!

Even Matthew, my chocoholic child, loves them!

Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Date Squares always accompany us to the cottage. I bake them ahead of time and freeze them. Perfect for transporting as they act as an extra freezer pack for the cooler.

In fact, I do the same with my Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Pies (freeze them and bake from frozen) and Brownies (freeze ahead, thaw and serve). Bringing already made frozen baked goods along eases my workload when I am on holiday.

I also like to save a few Date Squares for the freezer: easy access to quick treats and impromptu indulgences!

One of the reasons I love my Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Date Squares recipe, more than any other, is the use of whole wheat flour with the whole oats. The whole wheat flour increases the nutritional value and richness in flavour. No one ever guesses!

Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Free Date Squares

1 pkg (350-375g/2 cups) chopped dates
1/2 cup water
juice of 1 lemon (1/3 cup)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whole oats (not instant or quick)
11/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup Demerara Sugar (brown sugar)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup canola oil

In a small pot, simmer the dates with the water until softened. About 3-5 minutes.
Take off the heat and stir in lemon juice and sugar. Let cool.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Mix in canola oil to the dry ingredients until combined and crumbly. (I tend to use my hands for this)

Press 2/3’s of the oatmeal mixture in a 8 by 8 glass square dish.

Spread date mixture evenly over the packed oatmeal.

Pat on the remaining oatmeal mixture.

Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes.
Let cool on cooling rack.

Enjoy!

P.S. I put together a special package of Dairy, Egg, Soy and Peanut/Tree Nut Date Squares for Anne to take home and share with her family. I think she shared them!

What is your favourite treat to indulge in?