The Only Date (Square) You Need

I don't know if anyone else is as interested in the history of certain desserts like I am. I always like to see where things originate from and how it became the dessert it is today.

When looking up how the date square became a dessert, I was surprised to find out that is originated in Canada. It is believed that this humble dessert originated at a time when people couldn't afford the more expensive baking ingredients, so they used things like dates, molasses, oats and flour that was easily accessible to them.

This dessert was first known as Matrimonial Cake. There are so many different tales that explain why these squares were called names surrounding marriage and dating.

Some say the layers symbolize two people courting and completing their relationship - i.e. the joining of the two layers with marriage.

Others recall they related their marriage to the bars because" they were a couple of crumbs stuck together by a few dates", which is probably my favourite explanation.

And last but not least some say they represented marriage because the bars had a firm foundation and a sweet centre even though it looks a "bit rocky".

Whatever the reason, date squares are one of my favourite desserts! I feel like I say that a lot but these squares are seriously addicting.

Thick, soft and wonderfully gooey gluten free date squares. These bars are made with a not-too-sweet date filling zested with a touch of orange and lime, sandwiched between a tigernut and coconut base and a crispy crumble.

Naturally, not only free from gluten but also free from

• grains

• dairy

• legumes

• eggs

• AND nuts!

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date squares

16 squares

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INGREDIENT

Base:

• 1 cup Tigernut flour

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened

Filling:

• 500g medjool dates

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 2 tablespoon orange zest

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoon coconut oil

• zest of 1 lime

• 2 tablespoon lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1/2 cup Tigernut flour

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, softened

INSTRUCTION

1. Preheat your oven to 350F/175C. Grease and line a 10 x 10 pan and set aside.

2. To make the base, combined all of the base ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Press the base into the pan, spreading evenly.

3. Bake for 7 minutes. Take out of the oven and let it cool while you are making the filling.

4. To start making the filling, add the dates, orange juice, orange zest, water, coconut oil, lime zest, juice, and salt. Place the pot over medium heat.

5. Once simmering, lower the heat and cook until the water is evaporated and the dates have broken down. This should take between 5 - 10 minutes. Be patient with this step and dont increase the heat. Make sure to stir every once in a while so the dates dont burn to the bottom of the pan. Once the date mixture becomes a paste. Take off the heat and set aside.

6. While you are waiting for the date mixture to cool a little, you can make the crumble. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumble - tigernut flour, shredded coconut, salt, maple syrup and coconut oil. Mix until all the ingredients come together.

7. Now time to assemble to bar. Evenly spread the date mixture over the base and then sprinkle the crumble over top of the date mixture.

8. Bake date square for 15 - 20 minutes or until crumble is slightly golden brown and the date mixture is set.

9. Let the date squares cool completely before slicing. This will allow them to set up. In my personal opinion the date squares taste better the day after but they can be enjoy for up to 5 days!