Desire Fitness' first food blog post is a tasty one!
These date squares are a fantastic and easy snack option that is gluten free, dairy free, and has zero sugar added. They are a very satiating snack, perfect for weight loss and can be eaten before work outs for extra energy.
Desire Fitness offers nutrition plans that are fully customized to the foods clients enjoy as well as any dietary restrictions. These date squares are perfect for anyone who has eliminated dairy and/or gluten from their diets but are still craving something sweet.
This recipe uses only all natural ingredients with no added sweeteners or sugar. To make the date squares you will need a high speed blender or food processor.
First step, pre-heat your oven to 325F.
Next, start processing the crumble ingredients. The dry ingredients will form the base and the crumble topping for the squares.
Add 1 cup of the gluten free oats to your processor and process until a flour forms. Then add the dates, unsweetened shredded coconut, sea salt, and baking soda. Process till the dates are fully broken up and create a crumble texture.
Add the remaining oats and pecans and process 8-10x or until the pecans are chopped. Lastly, add in the egg, ground chia seeds, and melted coconut oil. Pulse until combined.
Place the dry ingredients into a separate bowl and wash out the processor bowl.
For the date layer add the dates to the food processor with 1-2tbsp of hot water, lemon, and salt. Process until it forms a creamy texture.
Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Pack down 3/4 of the dry crumble onto the bottom of the pan.
Next, coat with base with the dates and fully cover the bottom layer. Wet your hands to help prevent the bottom layer from sticking.
Top with the remaining dry crumble.
Bake for 18-20 mins (or until the top layer has a golden brown colour). Let the squares completely cool before cutting.
For meal prepping purposes, divide the pan into 9 equal servings. The macros listed below are for 1 serving of the 9 total.
Healthy Date Squares
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free
Ingredients:
Crumble Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup gluten free oats (divided)
4 ounces of pitted dates
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup pecans
1 egg
2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
1/4 cup coconut oil
Date Layer:
8 ounces pitted dates
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1-2 tablespoons hot water
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Next, start processing the dry ingredients.
Add 1 cup of gluten free oats to the processor and process until a flour forms. Next add dates, unsweetened shredded coconut, sea salt, and baking soda. Process until the dates are fully broken up and create a crumble texture with the dates.
Add the remaining oats and pecans and pulse 8-10x to chop the pecans.
Lastly, add in the egg, ground chia seeds, and coconut oil (melted). Pulse until combined.
Place the dry ingredients into a separate bowl and wash out the processor bowl.
For the date layer, add the dates to the food processor with 1-2tbsp of hot water, lemon juice, and sea salt. Process until the dates form a creamy texture.
Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
Pack down 3/4 of the dry crumble onto the bottom of the pan.
Next, coat the base with the processed dates and fully cover the bottom layer (wet your hands to help prevent the bottom layer from sticking).
Top with the remaining dry crumble.
Bake for 18-20 mins (till top layer is golden brown).
Let the squares completely cool before cutting into 9 equal servings.
Enjoy!
The nutritional info listed below is for 1 square.
Calories: 328
Carbs: 41g
Fat: 16g
Protein: 5g
Desire Fitness creates custom nutrition programs and work outs for clients. Email or direct message for more information.