Gramma's Date Squares

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups rolled oats
• 1.5 cups sifted pastry flour
• 1.33 cups packed brown sugar , divided
• 0.75 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 cups butter , softened
• 0.75 pounds pitted dates , diced
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Combine oats, pastry flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix in butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.

3. 3

   Combine dates, water, and remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat. Spread the filling over the base, and spread the remaining crumb mixture on top.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly toasted, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool before cutting into 12 squares.