Date Squares Recipe
These Date Squares feature a buttery base topped with a sweet, rich date filling and a light meringue layer for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
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Ingredients
1/2 cup Butter / Margarine
1/2 cup White Sugar
2 Eggs separated
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Dates chopped
1 1/2 cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/8 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Water boiling
1 cup Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 140°C. Grease a flat baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter or margarine with 1/2 cup white sugar until light and creamy.
- Add 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla, beating well.
- Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/8 tsp salt, then mix into the butter mixture to form a creamy dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the greased pan.
- In a small bowl, pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 1 cup chopped dates and stir until the dates are softened.
- Spread the softened dates evenly over the dough base.
- In a clean bowl, beat 2 egg whites until frothy, then gradually add 1 cup brown sugar, beating until you have a smooth meringue.
- Spread the meringue evenly over the date layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the meringue is lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Hints & Tips
- Use fresh dates – Fresh, soft dates will give a richer and sweeter filling.
- Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on the meringue so it stays soft and light rather than becoming too crisp.
- Cut cleanly – Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for neat slices.
- Add a nutty crunch – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the date layer before adding the meringue.
- Serve at room temperature – The flavours develop best once the squares have cooled and set.
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