These Date and Apple Squares are perfect for a tasty treat! With sweet dates and juicy apples, every bite is fruity and satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to make!
I love how these squares fill my kitchen with a delicious smell while baking. They’re great as a snack or dessert, and I often enjoy them with a cup of tea! ☕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dates: Chopped pitted dates are the star here, adding natural sweetness and moisture. If you need a substitute, raisins can work in a pinch, although the flavor will be a bit different.
Apples: I love using tart apples like Granny Smith, which balance the sweetness. If you don’t have tart apples, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will also do fine.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans both add a nice crunch. If there are nut allergies, you can skip them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here, but you could try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or gluten-free flour if needed.
Oil or Butter: Vegetable oil keeps it light and moist, but melted butter gives it a rich flavor. Choose based on your preference!
How Do I Ensure My Squares Don’t Turn Out Dry?
To keep your Date and Apple Squares moist, focus on a couple of important steps. Firstly, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until combined!
- Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly, especially the flour.
- Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting; this helps retain moisture.
- Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Following these tips will reward you with deliciously moist squares each time you make them!
How to Make Date and Apple Squares
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or any tart apple)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 30-35 minutes for baking, resulting in delicious Date and Apple Squares ready to enjoy in around 1 hour (including cooling time)!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This will ensure everything is well combined before adding to the wet mixture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and your choice of vegetable oil or melted butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for lovely flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the squares tender!
5. Add the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in the chopped dates, apples, chopped nuts, and rolled oats (if you’ve chosen to use them). Make sure everything is distributed evenly throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Squares:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After it’s cooled, lift out the squares using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
8. Enjoy:
You can serve these delightful squares as a snack or dessert. They’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, if they last that long!
These Date and Apple Squares are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the moist, chewy texture from the dates and apples, and the lovely nutty crunch from the walnuts or pecans!
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Can I Use Different Nuts or Omit Them Altogether?
Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or hazelnuts. If you need to avoid nuts, feel free to leave them out entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or even a sugar alternative like maple syrup. Just note that using liquid sweeteners may affect the batter’s consistency, so adjust the flour slightly if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Date and Apple Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each square individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months!
What Can I Do If My Squares Are Too Dry?
If you find your squares are too dry, ensure that you are measuring your flour accurately—too much flour can lead to dryness. You can also add an extra tablespoon of oil or butter to the batter for a moister texture, or consider adding a bit more fruit for added moisture next time.