What does dates do in baking?

Dates can be used as a sweetener in baking either added in whole, as a syrup, or made into date sugar, which can be bought at markets or made at home. They can be chopped and added to cookies, breads, and other baked goods to add a touch of sweetness and texture .

Where do date squares come from?

Date Squares recipes first started appearing in bakeries and in brand-sponsored cookbooks like the Purity Cookbook and the Five Roses flour cookbook as early as the 1920s , but rose in popularity in the 1930s, particularly in the prairie provinces where the dessert is known as Matrimonial Cake.

Can dates replace sugar in baking?

But dates can be manipulated into a few baking-friendly forms and replace white sugar in everything from salad dressing to cookies .

Do you need to soak dates before baking?

Dried dates are ready to use straight away - just slice off from the block or pick as many of you need from the box, but you can also soak them in a liquid like tea or various types of alcohol, to boost flavour and moisture .

Where does the US get dates from?

Today, it's estimated that over 90% of the dates grown in the U.S. come from the Coachella Valley , about 35,000 tons annually. Some dates, like the Medjool, are particularly plump, sweet and fruity. Other dates are very fleshy, like the Barhi; some, like Halawi dates, are chewy.

What are the little dots in dates?

Dates white dots on them… Dates will sometimes form sugar crystals under or on top of their skin. It simply means that the dates are maturing . You will want to either consume them soon or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

What part of the world do dates come from?

Although their exact origin is uncertain, dates were first known to be cultivated in the Fertile Crescent between Egypt and Mesopotamia as early as 4000 B.C. Date palms fare best in tropical and subtropical regions. They continue to be an important crop for Iraq, Iran, Arabia and North Africa west to Morocco.

Do dates have the same effect as sugar?

While dates are a concentrated source of sugar, they're considered lower glycemic than other refined sugars . The fiber in dates helps balance out the sugar preventing such a drastic blood sugar spike. This along with the additional nutrients make dates a great sugar replacement!

Is baking with dates healthy?

Yes! Dates are the ultimate all-natural sweeteners and act as healthy alternatives to refined sugars . They contain substantial copper, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin B12 contents. The dried fruits also boast a lengthy nutrition profile, including several immune-boosting antioxidants.

Do dates reduce temperature?

Therefore, it is important to consume dates in moderation, regardless of the season. Another concern is that dates are known to be warm in nature. This means that they can increase the body's internal temperature , which can be uncomfortable during the hot summer months.

What are bakery use by dates?

How long do bakery items last? Bakery item Shelf Refrigerator Bread, commercial 2-4 days 7-14 days Bread, flat (tortillas, pita) 2-4 days 4-7 days Cakes, Angel Food* 1-2 days 7 days Chiffon, sponge 1-2 days 7 days 20 more rows

Newfoundland Date Crumbles - my best recipe from 40 years of baking! (2024)

Newfoundland Date Crumbles (or Date Squares). A recipe every local family knows and loves. The secret is having the right proportion of butter in the crumble and this recipe gets it just right.

The Best Newfoundland Date Crumbles

Not just Nanny Hynes’ favourite square, another universal Newfoundland treat common to almost every family cookbook is Newfoundland Date Crumbles.

There are many recipes out there for these popular squares but this is the best recipe I have ever used.

Date Crumbles was one of the first recipes ever posted on Rock Recipes back in 2007

The secret to a good crumble is the proper amount of butter in the recipe. Many recipes use too little, resulting in a dry end product where the crumble doesn’t hold together properly.

I’ve seen them so dry you could blow the crumble like dust off the top of the square. Not my idea of a great crumble.

The Best Newfoundland Date Crumbles

Looking for more Newfoundland-inspired cuisine?

For other favourite Newfoundland recipes please make a look at our Newfoundland Food Pages. You may also want to check out our entire collection of Newfoundland Favourite Cookie Recipes.

Like this Date Crumbles recipe?

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The Best Newfoundland Date Crumbles

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Yield: 36 cookie squares