Date and apple squares are a sweet treat that brings together the goodness of fresh apples and chewy dates. They’re soft, flavorful, and simply delightful!
Making these is a breeze, just mix, bake, and enjoy! I love popping these squares into my lunch bag for a little fruity snack. Who can resist a tasty bite? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dates: Chopped, pitted dates are essential for sweetness and chewiness. If you’re short on dates, dried figs or prunes can be good alternatives, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Apples: For best results, use sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. If you want a tart flavor, Granny Smith works well too. Canned or frozen apples could be a last-minute substitute if fresh is not available.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over salt levels. You can replace it with coconut oil or vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Oats: Rolled oats add texture. Quick oats are also fine, but avoid instant oats as they can become mushy. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats.
How Do I Get My Date and Apple Squares to Stay Moist?
Keeping these squares moist is all about the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. Here are some tips to help:
- Use fresh, soft dates and be sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution.
- Don’t overmix the batter. This will keep your squares tender. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Watch your baking time! Check at the 30-minute mark; you want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
- Let them cool completely to help set and maintain moisture before cutting.
Date and Apple Squares Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup chopped dates (pitted)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 1 large apple)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to toss apples)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30-35 minutes for baking. After baking, allow the squares to cool completely, which will take about 45 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Toss the Apples:
In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice. This will help prevent them from browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Set the bowl aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This mix will provide the base for your squares.
4. Cream the Butter:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. This will help incorporate air, making your squares light and tender.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in the Dates and Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped dates and lemon-coated apples. You want to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart too much.
8. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top.
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your squares are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Allow your Date and Apple Squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Date and Apple Squares as a sweet snack or dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any apples you have on hand. Sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work great, while Granny Smith apples will add a nice tartness. Just make sure they’re peeled and chopped!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Dates?
No worries! If you don’t have dates, you can substitute them with chopped dried figs or prunes. They provide a similar texture but will slightly alter the flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
