Desserts > Squares

Date and Orange Squares Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and orange juice. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Stir in dates and walnuts.
4. Spread batter into prepared pan. Spread orange marmalade over the top.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 12

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: can be substituted with margarine
- Dates: can be substituted with raisins
- Walnuts: can be substituted with pecans

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots for a different flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Be sure to spread the batter evenly in the pan
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a dollop of whipped cream
- Cut into small squares and serve on a plate with a sprig of mint

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with melted chocolate

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bars are too dry, add a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter
- If the bars are too moist, bake for an additional 5 minutes

Food Safety Advice:
- Keep the bars refrigerated if not serving immediately
- Discard any leftovers after 5 days

Food History:
Dates have been cultivated since ancient times and are native to the Middle East. They are a popular ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes.

Flavor Profiles:
This recipe combines the sweet and tart flavors of dates and oranges with the nutty flavor of walnuts.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert
- Serve as a snack

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Citrusy, Nutty