Canadian Oat and Date Squares

Shopping list

• 250 g pitted dates — roughly chopped

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• 150 ml water

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• 0.5 piece lemon — juice only

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• 200 g rolled oats

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• 100 g plain flour

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• 100 g coconut oil — melted

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• 3 tbsp maple syrup

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• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon

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Step by step

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 20 cm square tin with baking parchment.

2. 2

   Place the dates, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8– 10 minutes until the dates soften and break down into a thick paste. Mash with a fork if needed. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour and cinnamon. Pour in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup, mixing well until the mixture clumps together.

4. 4

   Press half the oat mixture firmly into the base of the prepared tin.

5. 5

   Spread the date paste evenly over the oat base, leaving a 1 cm border at the edges.

6. 6

   Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing lightly.

7. 7

   Bake for 25– 30 minutes until golden. Cool completely in the tin before cutting into 12 squares.