With spring (kind of!) (hopefully!) just around the corner, I look forward to getting back to what I like to call Picnic Eatin’ i.e. bean salads, lemonade, and my favourite dessert of all time: Dream Date 5 Ingredient Raw Vegan Gluten-Free Date Squares. I know, I know: Some of you may bristle at the number of dietary restrictions these little guys cater to (“can a treat featuring so many health buzzwords actually be a treat!?” – you, doubtfully). Others (like me, shamelessly), may find themselves involuntarily drawn to any and all vegan/raw/coconut anythings, and if this is you too, lemme just say: ohhhh youuuuu gon LOOOOOVE these.

Of course, those adhering to the dietary restrictions as a lifechoice will love them as well, but I promise that these lovely little squares will satisfy not only raw foodies, vegan yogis, and gluten… uh….freebies, but also any and all humans who delight in real food that tastes rich and sweet and SERIOUSLY SO YUM. They make a lovely dessert, mid-afternoon pick-me-up, midnight snack, breakfast, whatever. I’ve brought them to many a potluck where I was asked to bring a dessert, and many where I forgot that I was supposed to actually bring a salad. On every occasion these cold squares were gobbled up like hot cakes! And now, I bring them to you. Spring is just around the corner! Nomnomnom.

For the crust you’ll need:
•   1 & 1/2 cups whole raw almonds
•   1 & 1/2 cups gluten- free oats
•   10 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (or 20 honey or baking dates- a variation that will save some $$$$)
•   1/4 cup coconut oil
•   1/2 tsp salt

And for the date filling:
•   25 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped (or 40 honey dates or baking dates, again saving u $$$$)
•   1/2 cup water

That is literally all.

Directions:

1. (Ace of) Base
Line a square pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, process the almonds, oats, and salt until they form a fine crumble. Add 10 Madjool or 20 honey or baking dates and continue to process until crumbly again! Melt the coconut oil (the only heat required in the recipe!), and add to the mixture.  Process until sticky. Remove from processor, set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture, and press the remaining 1/4 of the mixture very firmly into the pan.

2. The Filling
Process your remaining dates with the water until a paste forms. You may have to stop the processor, scrape the sides down, and repeat until you reach the desired consistency. Once a paste has formed, scoop out the date mixture onto the base and spread until even. Voila! The titular Dream Date filling!

3. Crumble in the Jungle
Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup  mixture that you had set aside in Step 1, and gently press down with fingers, creating a delicate top-later crumble. Refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour, ideally overnight).

Cut into squares, and serve (or grab a fork and dig in! It’s up to you!) Store in the fridge or freezer. Bon Apetit you gorgeous Julia Child-ren!

Adapted from the excellent vegan food blog, OhSheGlows.com