GF/DF Date Squares

Date Squares remind me so much of my mom, I can’t tell you. She made them so often, my siblings and I got sick of them. But now, many years later, they are a favorite of mine…except that I make them gluten-free and dairy-free. This updated version of the classic is sure to please.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

2 ½ cups pitted, chopped dates
1 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp baking soda

For the base & topping:

1 ¾ cups gluten-free rolled oats (quick oats are best, but any kind will do, as long as they’re gluten-free)
1 cup 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend
¼ tsp baking powder
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup softened vegan “butter” (it’s 100% dairy-free)

Directions:

Arrange oven rack so that it’s in the middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch square pan.

In a saucepan on the stove, bring dates, orange juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar to a boil. Add baking soda. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

While the filling is cooling, combine oats, flour, baking powder, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix in the softened vegan butter until well combined.

Spread ½ of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared square pan, pressing the base down firmly. Layer the date mixture on top. Cover with the remaining oat mixture, pressing down lightly.

Bake on the middle oven rack for 40-45 minutes. Cool in the pan and then cut into 16 squares.

These are great served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!