Date Squares

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and butter a 8″ (20 cm) square pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving the edges hang over the sides.

In a pan, bring the dates, water, orange juice, and vanilla extract to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low and incorporate the baking soda to the mix. Stir constantly during 5 minutes or until you get a smooth date puree. Let cool the filling preparation at room temperature.

In a bowl, mix together all the crisp ingredients.

Spread half the crisp mix into the square pan and press lightly. Add the date filling on top and cover with the remaining half of crisp. Press again.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the crisp is golden. Then, let cool completely before cutting into pieces. Cover each date square with plastic wrap.