Description

These chewy vegan date squares feature a rich, caramel-like date filling sandwiched between layers of golden oat crumble. Naturally sweetened, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with crunchy pecans, they make for a wholesome treat perfect for snacks or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

350 g pitted dates (~2 cups)

1 cup water

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ tablespoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking soda

170 g oats (~1 ⅔ cups)

155 g all‑purpose flour or oat/almond flour (~1 ⅓ cups)

80 g brown sugar or coconut sugar (~6 ½ tablespoons)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon baking powder

150 g vegan butter or coconut oil (~⅔ cup)

50 g chopped pecans (~⅓ cup)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a square pan, and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
In a saucepan, combine the dates, water, lemon juice, and vanilla over medium heat, stirring as the dates soften.
Once the mixture boils, stir in the baking soda and cook for 4–6 minutes until a thick paste forms. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder.
Add vegan butter or coconut oil and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the date filling evenly over the base using a spatula.
Stir chopped pecans into the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the date layer, pressing it down lightly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 9 squares.

Notes

Use gluten-free oats and oat or almond flour to make it gluten-free.

Swap pecans with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.

Coconut sugar provides a lower-sugar option with mild sweetness.

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a richer flavor.

Make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to save time.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 285
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg