We all have those nostalgic treats that take us right back to childhood. The flavours that transport us back to the good ol’ days. After spending years working with meticulous pastry techniques, its like I almost forgot how something simple could be so great. Think Hello Dolly meets a Date Square.

Yield 12 Squares

Mis en Place

½ Cup Unsalted Butter

¾ Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Flour

¾ Cup Rolled Oats

¼ Tsp. Baking Soda

¼ Tsp. Cinnamon

¾ Cup Dates

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

¾ Cup Toasted Hazelnuts

¾ Cup Chocolate Chips

1 ½ Cup Shaved Coconut

300 ML. Condensed Milk

Method

Step 1

Butter and line a 7×7” square pan with parchment.

Step 2

Chop dates and place in a saucepan with ½ cup of water.

Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until dates are broken down.

Step 3

Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 4

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

Step 5

Cream butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.

Fold in dry ingredients in 2 additions with a spatula until it comes together.

Step 6

Pre heat oven to 325 degrees.

Pat oatmeal crumble evenly into pan.

Step 7

Spread the date mixture on top.

Then continue with chopped toasted hazelnuts and chocolate chips.

Step 8

Pour condensed milk over top and spread evenly, top with coconut.

Step 9

Bake until coconut is fully toasted and slightly set in the center.

Approximately 30 min. Let cool completely before cutting.