Date Squares with Figs! A new twist on an old classic. Our neighborhood is bursting with ripe figs right now and I gathered some for a street party last night. Figs are a perfect compliment to the dates, and I’ve added some nice warming spices as well. I’ve also cut sugar in the recipe in half – a new theme for me. Less is more! The original date square recipe can be found in my Vegan Comfort Kitchen cookbook.
Fig & Date Squares
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup fresh figs, chopped 1/2 cup water
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup oat flour*
1/2 cup vegan Butter or melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup or sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the chopped figs and dates and water in small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from stove and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, oat flour, spices, baking soda and sea salt.
In a small bowl, mix together the butter and maple syrup. Add the butter and syrup mixture to the oat mixture and combine well, using your hands to really create a nice sticky mixture.
Press half of the mixture into an 8” x 8” pan lined with parchment paper or slightly oiled to form the base and then spread the cooked figs and dates onto the base. Cover the with the remaining oat mixture and firmly press to completely cover the dates.
Bake 20-25 minutes.
*To make oat flour simply grind rolled oats in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender.
Makes 12 date squares