Original blog post: https://spatulagoddess.com/2012/12/27/nannys-date-squares/

Recipe source: Purity Cookbook, edition unknown

Time required: 3 hr (2 hr is cooling time)

Yields: 48 squares

Tools required:

• 8″ square pan
• tin foil
• pastry blender

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pitted dates, halved
• 1 TBSP brown sugar
• ½ C water
• 1 C flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 C butter, softened
• 1 C lightly-packed brown sugar
• 2 C rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 162°C / 325°F. Line pan with foil and grease.
2. In a sauce pan combine: dates, 1 TBSP brown sugar, and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 min or until it reaches the mushy consistency of jam. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl combine: flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cut in butter.
5. Cut in 1 C brown sugar and oats.
6. Press half of the oat mixture into greased pan.
7. Cover evenly with date filling.
8. Cover with remaining oat mixture.
9. Bake 35-40 min until light golden brown.
10. Cool completely before cutting.