golden date squares
ingredients
1 cup pitted dates
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
3 + 1 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp + 1/4 cup cashew butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 + 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
step by step
Preheat oven to 350F.
Soak pitted dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes
In a bowl combine oats, walnuts, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp cashew butter, coconut oil, cinnamon and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix really well.
Line a 9x6" baking dish with parchment paper ( or oil the pan with coconut oil sufficiently )
Place 3/4 of the granola mixture into the pan and lightly pack in the pan creating a nice even layer ( no need to push really hard, but enough to form it tightly )
Bake for 20 minutes.
Place drained, soaked dates into a blender or food processor with 1/4 cup cashew butter, 1 tbsp maple syrup, vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt. Blend until smooth.
Once the base layer of the date squares is done, add the date mixture on top, followed by the rest of the granola mixture.
Bake for 15 more minutes and then allow to cool completely before cutting.
Dig in and enjoy your not-so-hot date!
Check out the full tutorial of this recipe in my
