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These date squares are the perfect sweet treat.
Featuring just a handful of ingredients, they are sweetened with only nutrient-rich dates and can be prepared in just about 20 minutes!
I’ve been on a mission to eat more dates lately, because they’re thought to improve labor when eaten during the last month of pregnancy. Since dates are naturally sweet and delicious, I’m happy to increase my consumption, regardless. Even if you’re not pregnant, dates are a beneficial addition to the diet, since they’re rich in fiber, which can promote digestive health and relieve constipation. They are also rich in magnesium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Paired with the antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, these bars are a grain-free, nutritious treat!
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Raw Date Squares (Vegan, Paleo)
makes one 8″x8″ pan
Adapted from this recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust/crumble:
3 cups raw walnuts
8 soft Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
2 cups soft Medjool dates, pitted and tightly packed
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Line an 8″x8″ baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap. In a food processor fitted with an “S” blade, pulse the walnuts until they are finely ground into a meal. Add in the chopped dates, coconut oil and salt, and process again until sticky dough is formed. Set aside 1 cup of this dough to save for the crumble topping, then transfer the rest of the dough to the lined baking dish, using your hands to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
To prepare the date filling, combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and process until a uniform filling is created. Spread the filling over the crust evenly, then crumble the reserved cup of dough over the top. Use your fingers to gently press the crumble topping into the date filling, then place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
Serve chilled for best texture, and store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients
For the crust/crumble:
- 3 cups raw walnuts
- 8 soft Medjool dates , pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil , melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 2 cups soft Medjool dates , pitted and tightly packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8"x8" baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap. In a food processor fitted with an "S" blade, pulse the walnuts until they are finely ground into a meal. Add in the chopped dates, coconut oil and salt, and process again until sticky dough is formed. Set aside 1 cup of this dough to save for the crumble topping, then transfer the rest of the dough to the lined baking dish, using your hands to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- To prepare the date filling, combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and process until a uniform filling is created. Spread the filling over the crust evenly, then crumble the reserved cup of dough over the top. Use your fingers to gently press the crumble topping into the date filling, then place in the fridge to set for 2 hours.
- Serve chilled for best texture, and store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
Per Serving: Calories: 343, Fat: 23g, Carbohydrates: 34g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 5g
Enjoy!
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Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite way to eat dates?
My family loves this recipe! Can’t get enough of these raw date squares. Even my very picky daughter who loves traditional date squares loves them. I do find the crust mixture to be a bit too oily though so add some old fashioned oats and a small handful of coconut into the mix. And my food processor is really small – just a mini – and not sure it could handle raw dates and water so cooked these in water until paste was formed. I leave out the vanilla as the dates are tasty enough! Just the best date squares ever!
This recipe is very tasty. Thank you for posting it. I would suggest that you add a notation to soak the dates. I purchased a package of dates that were rather dry and it made a huge mess in the food processor when making the filling. I had water spraying everywhere but the dates were still intact. Soaking would help them blend better and smoother.
Could I use dried figs in this recipe as a substitute for dates?
Can you freeze these?
These are delicious; my family loves them.
I am obsessed with these date squares they are delicious!!! My family loves them too!!
I bought dates from Costco and wanted a grain free recipe to use them up – this was perfect! These are gooey and decadent and the salt is the perfect balance to make them really hit the spot. These took no time to make and I didn’t change anything about the recipe. Delicious!
These were really good. Thanks for the great recipee. I will be making these again.