Date Squares – Vegan Recipes | Plant-Based Desserts

Welcome to our mouthwatering journey into the world of date squares! If you’re a fan of delicious plant-based desserts, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll explore the delightful realm of date squares, vegan style! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible delights.

What Are Date Squares?

Get to know the classic Canadian dessert that has captured hearts worldwide – date squares! With their oat crumb base and soft date filling, these treats are a delightful blend of chewy and crumbly goodness. Whether you call them date crumbles or matrimonial squares, they are sure to become a beloved part of your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients and Preparation

Discover the key ingredients that make vegan date squares a wholesome and delectable choice. With a combination of pitted dried dates, oats, quinoa flakes, almond flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and coconut oil, you’ll create a flavorful and guilt-free indulgence. Plus, these date squares are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Vegan Date Squares

Unleash your inner dessert chef and learn the simple steps to create your own batch of vegan date squares. From preparing the date filling to combining the wet and dry ingredients, we’ll guide you through the process. The end result? A golden brown delight that will have you savoring every bite.

Are Vegan Date Squares Healthy?

Find out why these vegan date squares are a healthier alternative to their traditional counterparts. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, quinoa flakes, and natural sweeteners, they offer a guilt-free dessert option. Embrace the fiber and protein content and savor the flavor while maintaining a balanced diet.

Storing and Freezing Vegan Date Squares

Learn how to keep your vegan date squares fresh and scrumptious. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy these treats for days to come. Whether you choose to store them at room temperature or freeze them for later, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Date Squares?

Date squares, also known as date crumbles or matrimonial squares, are a classic Canadian dessert loved by adults for their nostalgic taste. These delectable treats feature a heavenly combination of an oat crumb base and topping, with a soft and sweet date filling. Whether they’re enjoyed during the holidays or at bake sales and coffee shops, date squares have become a beloved indulgence across Canada.

Originating in different parts of the country, date squares are known by various names. In Newfoundland, they are called date crumbles, while in western parts of Canada, they go by the name matrimonial squares. Regardless of the name, these delightful squares are a perfect marriage of textures and flavors.

The oat crumb base and topping provide a wonderfully crunchy and wholesome contrast to the gooey, caramel-like date filling. With each bite, you’ll experience the rich flavor of the dates complemented by the toasty goodness of the oats. It’s a treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your desire for a comforting, homemade dessert.

Why are they called “matrimonial squares”?

“Matrimonial squares” is a term often used in western parts of Canada to refer to date squares. The origin of this name is unclear, but some believe it stems from the idea that the sweet combination of dates and oats is a perfect match, just like a happy marriage. Whatever the reason, the name adds a touch of whimsy and romance to these delightful treats.

Ingredients and Preparation

When making these delicious vegan date squares, you’ll need a few key ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pitted dried dates
• Oats
• Quinoa flakes
• Almond flour
• Coconut sugar
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil

The pitted dried dates provide a naturally sweet and gooey filling, while the oats and quinoa flakes create a hearty and crunchy base and topping. The almond flour adds a nutty flavor, and the coconut sugar and maple syrup provide just the right amount of sweetness. Finally, the coconut oil binds all the ingredients together, resulting in a perfectly textured treat.

To prepare the vegan date squares, start by softening the dates. You can do this by simmering them with water until they become tender. Once softened, mash the dates with a fork to create a smooth filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, quinoa flakes, almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a wet and crumbly mixture forms.

Press a little over half of the mixture into a baking pan, spread the date filling on top, and sprinkle the remaining mixture over the dates. Bake the date squares in the oven until they turn golden brown and let them cool before cutting into squares. Now you’re ready to indulge in these delectable gluten-free vegan date squares!

How to Make Vegan Date Squares

Making these gluten-free vegan date squares is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of this classic dessert:

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You’ll need pitted dried dates, oats, quinoa flakes, almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. With these wholesome ingredients, you can create a delectable treat that everyone will love.

Prepare the Date Filling

Start by simmering the pitted dried dates with water in a saucepan until they become soft and tender. Once the dates are ready, mash them with a fork to create a smooth filling. This sweet and gooey mixture will be the star of your vegan date squares.

Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, quinoa flakes, almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil together until well combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a wet and crumbly texture forms.

“These vegan date squares are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion.” – Vegan Foodie Magazine

Bake and Enjoy!

Press a little over half of the mixture into a baking pan, creating a firm crust. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust, distributing its sweet goodness. Sprinkle the remaining mixture on top to create a crumbly topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 25-30 minutes, or until the squares turn golden brown.

Once the vegan date squares are done, allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve them as a delicious snack or dessert, and savor the delightful combination of flavors in every bite.

Indulge in the chewy and flavorful goodness of these vegan date squares.

Are Vegan Date Squares Healthy?

When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, it’s only natural to wonder about their healthiness. With these vegan date squares, you can enjoy a delicious dessert while also incorporating wholesome ingredients into your diet. Made with gluten-free oats, quinoa flakes, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, these date squares offer a healthier alternative to traditional versions.

One of the main benefits of these vegan date squares is the use of whole grains like oats and quinoa flakes. These grains are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling satisfied. Additionally, the oats and quinoa add a nice chewy texture and a mild nutty flavor to the squares.

Another factor that contributes to the healthiness of these date squares is the natural sweeteners used. Instead of refined sugar, these squares are sweetened with maple syrup, which is a less processed and more nutrient-rich option. Maple syrup contains minerals like manganese and zinc, and it has a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar.

Table: Nutritional Comparison of Vegan Date Squares

As you can see from the table above, these vegan date squares contain fewer calories, more protein, higher fiber content, and less sugar compared to traditional versions. The combination of whole grains, natural sweeteners, and wholesome ingredients make these squares a healthier choice.

So go ahead and indulge in these vegan date squares without guilt! They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide you with some nutritional benefits. Remember, moderation is key when enjoying any treat, but you can feel good about treating yourself to these delicious and healthier date squares.

Storing and Freezing Vegan Date Squares

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making delicious vegan date squares, it’s time to learn how to store and freeze them properly. This will ensure that you can enjoy these delectable treats whenever the craving strikes. Whether you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance, here’s what you need to know about storing and freezing vegan date squares.

To store your vegan date squares, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to 2-3 days, allowing you to savor their chewy goodness. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator for 6-7 days. Simply take them out when you’re ready to indulge, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

If you want to extend the lifespan of your vegan date squares, freezing is the way to go. Cut the squares into individual portions and place them in a freezer-safe container with a layer of parchment or wax paper between each square. This will prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to grab a single serving when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. Frozen vegan date squares can be stored for up to 3 months, allowing you to stock up and enjoy them at your leisure.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen date squares, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This will allow them to soften slightly and reach the perfect texture. Once thawed, they are ready to be devoured, either on their own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Table: Storage Duration for Vegan Date Squares

Can I Use the Same Recipe for Date Squares to Make a Date and Walnut Loaf?

Yes, you can definitely use the same vegan date and walnut loaf recipe to make date squares. Just pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake it as directed. After cooling, slice into squares and enjoy the delicious combination of dates and walnuts in a different form.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the delicious and easy-to-make vegan date squares. These classic treats are a nostalgic taste of Canada, with their oat crumb base and sweet date filling. But don’t let their simplicity fool you – they are bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Whether you grew up enjoying date squares or are trying them for the first time, these vegan versions are a must-try. They are made with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners, making them a guilt-free indulgence. And with their chewy texture and rich flavors, they are bound to become a favorite dessert option.

So why wait? Whip up a batch of these easy date squares today and enjoy a taste of nostalgia. Whether you savor them with a cup of coffee or share them with friends and family, these classic date squares are a surefire way to sweeten any occasion.