Mimi’s Date Squares (Gluten Free)

The aroma of warm dates and toasted oats takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I can almost see her, flour dusting her apron as she carefully crumbled the oat mixture, a twinkle in her eye as she anticipated the first bite. These date squares were a staple at every family gathering, and now, thanks to a little adaptation for gluten sensitivities, everyone can enjoy this timeless classic.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yields: 16 squares
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Date Filling:

• 1 lb dates
• ¾ cup hot water
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Oat Crumble:

• 1 cup brown rice flour
• ½ cup cornstarch or ½ cup tapioca starch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 ½ cups quick oats (gluten or wheat free)
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes)

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
• Pastry cutter (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the date filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the dates, hot water, sugar, and salt.

3. Cook the filling over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and most of the water is absorbed. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. The mixture should be thick and jam-like.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the date mixture aside to cool slightly. It can still be warm, but not scorching hot.

5. While the date filling is cooling, prepare the oat crumble. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, cornstarch (or tapioca starch), baking soda, and xanthan gum. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Add the quick oats and brown sugar to the flour mixture. Mix well to combine.

7. Now, incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture. This is a crucial step for creating a tender and crumbly topping. You can use a pastry cutter, two butter knives, or even your fingers.

8. If using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture using a snapping motion. The goal is to break the butter into small pieces, creating a texture similar to coarse crumbs.

9. Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan.

10. Spread half of the oat crumble mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press down gently but firmly to form a compact base.

11. Spread the date mixture evenly over the oat crumble base. Ensure the dates are distributed to all corners of the pan.

12. Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it evenly over the date filling. Do not press down on this top layer; you want it to remain crumbly.

13. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

14. Remove the date squares from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set and the squares to hold their shape.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the oat crumble is essential for creating a tender, flaky texture. If the butter gets too warm, the squares will be dense and greasy. You can even chill the butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using it.

• Don’t Overmix: When making the oat crumble, avoid overmixing the ingredients once the butter is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour (even the gluten-free kind!), resulting in a tougher texture.

• Vary the Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat crumble for a warm, comforting flavor.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the date filling before spreading it over the crust. If your dates are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

• Press Gently: When pressing the base layer of the oat crumble into the pan, avoid pressing too hard. You want it to be compact enough to hold the filling, but not so dense that it becomes hard.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Once completely cooled, cut the date squares into squares. They are best served at room temperature. The warmth brings out the flavour and texture.

To store leftovers, place the date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate only.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	352.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	111 g	32 %
Total Fat	12.4 g	19 %
Saturated Fat	7.4 g	37 %
Cholesterol	30.5 mg	10 %
Sodium	185.3 mg	7 %
Total Carbohydrate	61 g	20 %
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	14 %
Sugars	41.3 g	165 %
Protein	2.6 g	5 %

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Coconut oil can also be used, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat crumble for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom in the oat crumble adds warmth and depth.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the date filling for a bright, refreshing twist.
• Different Flours: If you have a favorite gluten-free flour blend, you can use 1 1/2 cups of that instead of the rice flour and starch. Omit the xanthan gum if your mix already has it.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?
A: Yes, if you don’t need the date squares to be gluten-free, you can substitute regular quick oats for gluten-free oats.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: While brown sugar is preferred for its rich flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or coconut sugar if needed. The taste will vary slightly.

Q: My date filling is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of hot water to the filling and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Date squares are a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Q: How do I know when the date squares are done?
A: The date squares are done when the oat crumble topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

These gluten-free date squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a piece of my family history, a warm hug in dessert form. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the comforting flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own. And please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear how they turned out! These squares are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea for a truly satisfying treat. Happy baking!