The classic date square, made more filling! Thanks to Zenit plant-based protein and textured vegetable protein, each square provides about 7 g of protein, instead of 2 g in a classic recipe.
At a glance
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Bake: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 squares
- Protein: about 7 g per square
- Nutrition facts: about 54 g of carbohydrates, 13 g of fat, and 5 g of fiber per square (basic version, approximate values)
Ingredients
Date purée
- 425 g (2 1/2 cups) pitted, chopped dates
- 250 ml (1 cup) water
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice (optional)
- or 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) store-bought date purée
Protein crumble
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) Zenit organic vanilla plant-based protein
- 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) quick-cooking rolled oats
- 185 ml (3/4 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- 185 ml (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 1 ml (1/4 tsp) baking powder
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) melted butter
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) canola or olive oil
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the rack in the center. Butter a 20 cm (8 in) square pan and line it with a strip of parchment paper that overhangs on two sides.
- Filling: In a saucepan, bring the dates, water, and lemon juice to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until puréed. Let cool slightly.
- Crumble: In a large bowl, mix the protein, oats, flour, TVP, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the butter and oil, and mix until evenly combined and slightly crumbly.
- Press about half of the crumble into the bottom of the pan. Spread the date purée over it, then cover with the remaining crumble, pressing gently.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool completely (ideally for a few hours) before removing from the pan and cutting into 12 squares.
Danielle's tip
The dates and oats provide carbohydrates and fiber, while the protein makes these squares more filling. Add a little plain Greek yogurt on top for even more protein. Simple, comforting, and perfect for lunch boxes!
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in these date squares?
About 7 g of protein per square.
How do you cut perfect date squares?
Let them cool completely, ideally for a few hours, before cutting them.
Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., nutritionist
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition