Fig & Date Squares

Date squares are the ultimate comforting dessert, it’s true. Buuuuut, I had a huge bag of dried figs in my pantry feeling like it lacked a sense of purpose. Therefore, I decided to experimentally tweak these beloved bars into a hybrid – one that tastes like a cross between Fig Newtons and thick crumbly date squares. The result of this culinary experiment? 12 hours later, 3/16ths of this dessert remain (let it be known that to say my husband has a sweet tooth is an understatement, and we like to share, so that explains that).

This dessert’s ingredients each provide something special: oats’ chewiness, toffee-sweet brown sugar, rich coconut oil, cinnamon’s woodiness, caramel-y dates and the pulpy and jellylike mild interior of figs.

Nutritionally, this cannot be considered anything else but a dessert, seeing as it contains 1 cup of sugar. However, this dessert beats many others considering it’s packed with soluble fiber, beta-glucans, antioxidants and vitamins.

Shall we?

Ingredients:

For the fruity filling:

• 1 1/2 cups dried figs, stems removed
• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates (Medjool or any other variety)
• 1 1/2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 cup water

For the crumble:

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
2. In a small pot, bring all ingredients for the filling to a boil, then remove from heat. Purée until creamy and then allow to cool.
3. During this time, combine all ingredients for the crumble in a large bowl and mix thoroughly, until no clumps of sugar or flour remain.
4. Grease an 8×8 square pan with vegetable oil and add half the mixture for the crumble. Pat down firmly.
5. Add the cooled date and fig purée and spread out evenly.
6. Add remaining half of crumble. Pat down firmly.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, until top of squares begins to brown.
8. Cut into about 16 squares and enjoy! Don’t forget to share! 🙂