No Bake Date Squares

I’ve always enjoyed most date squares but not so much the richness of the butter and sugar. And then I discovered this no-bake 5 ingredient vegan recipe by Angela Liddon on her ‘Oh She Glows’ website. This recipe is so delicious without the guilt of the unnecessary artery clogging ingredients of of the old-fashioned date squares.

Sometimes, when I’m in the mood for a little chocolate, I add 1/4c of mini chipits to the topping leaving these final squares with a delightful chocolate kiss - perfection :)!

No Bake Date Squares

Special Note: Please remember tp throw a cloth over your food processor when blending the dates and water for the filling. Every time I forget to do this, I end up with ‘date infused water’ flying out of the sides of the machine.

Storage: I keep a batch of these stored in the freezer and when I’m feeling like a guilty/’not so guilty’ treat, they are always ready to meet the craving.

Without Mini-Chipits

With Mini-Chipits

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2c whole raw almonds

• 1 1/2c regular oats

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 35 Medjool dates, halved with pits removed (10 for crust and 25 for filling)

• 1/4c coconut oil

• 1/2c water

• Scant 1/4c mini-chipits

Instructions:

1. Line a square cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, process the almonds, oats and salt into a fine crumble forms.

3. Add 10 dates and process again until crumbly.

4. Melt coconut oil and add to the mixture, process until sticky. (Add a little more melted oil if the mixture is too dry)

5. Remove 3/4c of mixture from food processor to set aside for the topping.

6. Firmly press the remainder of the mixture into your parchment lined pan.

7. Now add the 25 remaining dates and the water to the food processor. Put on lid and cover with a towel. Process until a paste forms. You’ll likely have to stop a couple of times to scrape down the sides. (Add a tiny bit more water if needed but you do want a thick paste.)

8. Spread the paste over your crust.

9. Sprinkle the reserved 3/4c of the mixture set asdie and gently spread over filling with a fork…and then lightly press with the back of a spatula. (Note: if adding scant 1/4c mini chipits, add them to this reserved mixture before spreading over the top.)

10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before removing and cutting into desired squares.

11. Serve or store in the fridge or freezer.

Without Mini-Chipits…