Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 cup (128g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (226g) chopped dates
- 1/2 cup (100g) chopped walnuts (optional)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and butter. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the dates and walnuts (if using) over the egg mixture.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
Dish Characteristics:
- Sweet and chewy
- Rich and buttery
- Canadian-inspired comfort food
User Comments:
- "These date squares are the perfect blend of sweetness and spice."
- "The combination of dates and walnuts makes for a delicious and satisfying dessert."
- "I love that this recipe is so easy to make, yet it always turns out perfectly."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have dates, you can substitute dried cranberries or raisins.
- For a sweeter topping, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the crumb mixture.
- Allow the date squares to cool completely before cutting into them to prevent crumbling.
