Date Squares (The Best)

Ingredients

• Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups (425 g) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (lightly packed)
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

• Crisp

  • 1 3/4 cups (175 g) quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup (150 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (160 g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) semi-salted butter, softened