Cognac Date Squares Recipe

Cognac Date Squares Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Read reviews (1)

Rate recipe

Cider, cognac and pistachios provide new flavor to a classic. Cut into squares and place in a plastic sandwich bag, then bundle in tissue paper and slip into a reusable fabric sandwich bag tied with a ribbon. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

This recipe is:

Contest Winning

[X]

Rate Cognac Date Squares Recipe

Click on stars to rate

Would you make this recipe again?

Write a review

[X]

Cognac Date Squares Recipe

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Yield: 16 Servings

30 25 55

Ingredients

1 pound chopped dates
3/4 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the dates, apple cider, Cognac and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and remaining salt. Add butter; mix well. Press 1-1/3 cups into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Add pistachios to remaining oat mixture; set aside.
Spread date mixture over crust; top with reserved pistachio mixture. Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Yield: 16 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 square equals 301 calories, 11 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 261 mg sodium, 50 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein.

Originally published as Cognac Date Squares in Taste of Home December/January 2012, p63