Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9” square pan or line it with parchment.

Step 2

, To make the filling: In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water, salt, and lemon juice.

Step 3

, Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the mixture has thickened somewhat.

Step 4

, Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and set aside to cool while you prepare the crust.

Step 5

, To make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 6

, Stir in the melted butter.

Step 7

, To assemble: Press 2 1/2 cups (about 450g) of the crust mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out to completely cover the bottom of the pan with no gaps.

Step 8

, Top the crust with the date filling.

Step 9

, Add the nuts to the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle it over the filling.

Step 10

, Bake the squares for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Step 11

, Remove the squares from the oven and allow them to cool before cutting.

Step 12

, Storage information: Store squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days; freeze for longer storage.