Introduction

Welcome back to my millet recipe blog! Today, I’m excited to share a wholesome and delicious treat: Millet Date Squares. These bars feature a chewy date filling nestled between layers of a nutty millet crust. They’re perfect as a snack or a sweet treat, combining the rich flavor of dates with the added nutrition of millet. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the Millet Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup millet flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)

For the Date Filling:

• 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Date Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dates break down and the mixture thickens into a spreadable consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 3: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine millet flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Step 4: Assemble the Date Squares

1. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
2. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust.
3. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the date filling, pressing down lightly.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
3. Once cooled, lift the squares out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.

Conclusion

These Millet Date Squares are a delightful combination of chewy dates and nutty millet, perfect for a wholesome snack or a sweet treat. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrition. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it in the comments below. Enjoy!

Would you like any specific tips or variations included in this blog post?