Vanilla Date Squares
Prep
20 mins
Cook
40 mins
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
These vanilla date squares are one of my favorite treats to whip up when I need something sweet and satisfying. Dates are naturally packed with fiber and nutrients, making these feel a bit more wholesome than your average dessert. What I love most is how quick and simple they come together, ready in just an hour from start to finish. With basic pantry staples and chocolate chips stirred right into the batter, there's minimal fuss involved. They're perfect for weeknight baking or when unexpected guests drop by.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 150all-purpose flour
- 200 ggranulated sugar
- 100 gunsalted butter
- 2 egglarge eggs
- 1 mLpure vanilla extract
- 250 gdate puree
- ½ gbaking soda
- ½ gsalt
- 150 gsemisweet chocolate chips
- 50 gchopped walnuts
- 50 gconfectioner's sugar
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line an 18x18cm baking dish with parchment paper.
Tip: Use parchment paper to prevent the squares from sticking.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Tip: Whisk dry ingredients before adding to the mixture.
- 3
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Tip: Beat until fluffy to create a light texture.
- 4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Tip: Beat until smooth to prevent lumps.
- 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
Tip: Don't overmix to prevent toughening.
- 6
Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
Tip: Stir until smooth to create a uniform chocolate color.
- 7
Fold the melted chocolate into the batter until just combined.
Tip: Be gentle to prevent breaking the chocolate chips.
- 8
Fold in the chopped walnuts and confectioner's sugar.
Tip: Gently fold to distribute evenly.
- 9
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Tip: Make sure to fill to the top to prevent crumbs.
- 10
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: Don't overbake to prevent dryness.
- 11
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish.
Tip: Cut into squares while still warm to prevent crumbling.
- 12
Cut into 8 equal squares and serve.
Tip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, if desired.
Recipe Variations
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