Spiced Seasonal Date-Free Squares (Printable Version)

Moist, warmly spiced squares packed with autumn flavors and wholesome dried fruits and nuts.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1/2 cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or melted coconut oil)
10 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fruits & Add-ins

13 - 1 cup finely chopped dried figs or apricots (date-free)
14 - 1/2 cup grated apple or pear
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds (optional)
16 - Zest of 1 orange

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk oil and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
05 - Gently stir in chopped dried figs or apricots, grated apple or pear, orange zest, and nuts or seeds if using.
06 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
07 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No dates means no sticky prep or dense texture, just soft, tender squares with bright fruit flavor.
  • The orange zest and grated apple keep everything moist without feeling weighty.
  • You can mix the batter in under ten minutes with everyday pantry spices.
  • They stay fresh for days and actually taste better the next morning with coffee.
02 -
  • Room temperature eggs blend much more smoothly into the wet mixture and prevent lumps.
  • Don't skip the grated apple or pear, they keep the squares moist even a few days later.
  • If your dried fruit is very hard, soak it in warm water for five minutes and pat dry before chopping.
03 -
  • Grate the apple or pear directly into the batter and stir immediately so it doesn't brown.
  • If the top starts browning too fast, tent the pan loosely with foil for the last ten minutes.
  • These freeze beautifully wrapped individually in parchment, then tucked into a freezer bag for up to three months.

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