Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan add the water and the dates and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until there's no water left. Add the vanilla extract to the dates and mix well. Let mixture cool.

Step 3

Add the dates mixture to a food processor and pulse until it turns into a paste. Set aside.

Step 4

In a food processor add the remaining dry ingredients and the butter cut into small pieces and pulse until the butter is well incorporated into the mixture and crumbles.

Step 5

Spread ⅔ of the crumb mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Add the date mixture and spread it with a spatula. Add the remaining crumb mixture as the last layer and pat it using a spatula, do not press down too hard.

Step 6

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown then let cool completely. Place in the fridge for a couple more hours then take it out and cut into squares.