Description
Orange Date Squares are a deliciously wholesome treat combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with bright, fresh orange zest and juice. These easy-to-make bars feature a crumbly oat and flour base, balanced by a sticky, citrusy date filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for vegan version)
Instructions
- Chop the Medjool dates finely and combine them with fresh orange juice and orange zest in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the dates soften completely and form a thick, sticky paste infused with citrus aroma.
- In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, all-purpose (or gluten-free) flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt to create the crumbly base mixture.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly to form the base layer. Spread the warm date and orange filling evenly over this base. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled pan for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges start pulling away from the pan. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- These bars are great for breakfast, dessert, or a nutritious snack.
- Customize for dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Orange Date Squares, Dessert, Healthy Snack, Vegan