Date and Banana Squares

Date and Banana Squares Recipe from Chad | Uncover the Unique Flavors

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Date and Banana Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dates and bananas with a buttery, crumbly crust. This recipe is perfect for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Date and Banana Squares have been a popular dessert for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The combination of dates and bananas provides a unique and flavorful twist on traditional dessert bars.

Ingredients

250 g of butter
200 ml of sugar
2 eggs
500 ml of flour
1 pinch of salt
10 ml of baking powder
4 bananas
250 g of dates
15 ml of melted butter
5 ml of cinnamon
30 ml of sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Add the flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix well.
Place half of the mixture onto a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
Cover the dough with banana slices and chopped date pieces.
Place the remaining dough over the top as a topping.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven.
Brush the melted butter over the top while still hot.
Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the top.
Cut into squares and cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the dates with dried apricots or figs for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist crust.

- Be sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.

- You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Date and Banana Squares can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender and moist crust.

- Be sure to bake the squares until golden brown to ensure they are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

Date and Banana Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Date and Banana Squares on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Date and Banana Squares pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Date and Banana Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Date and Banana Squares contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Date and Banana Squares contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Date and Banana Squares contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Date and Banana Squares contains approximately 4g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dates and bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Date and Banana Squares are a delicious dessert option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet elegant dish called Date and Banana Squares. I came across it in an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Martha. She was a wonderful cook and always had the most delicious recipes to share with me.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. Martha had invited me over for tea, and as we chatted and sipped on our cups of Earl Grey, she pulled out a worn and tattered cookbook from her shelf. "I have something special to show you," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

As she flipped through the pages, she came across the recipe for Date and Banana Squares. The ingredients were simple – flour, sugar, butter, dates, and bananas – but the end result looked absolutely mouthwatering. The squares were golden brown and caramelized on the outside, with a soft and gooey filling of dates and bananas on the inside.

Martha told me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her. She explained that the recipe had been in her family for generations, and she had made it countless times for special occasions and family gatherings.

I was intrigued by the combination of dates and bananas in the squares. I had never tried anything like it before, and I could already imagine the sweet and rich flavors melding together in each bite. Martha must have seen the curiosity in my eyes, because she immediately offered to show me how to make them.

We spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together in a large bowl. Martha showed me how to cut the dates into small pieces and mash the bananas until they were soft and creamy. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air as we added them to the batter, along with a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.

Once everything was combined, we poured the mixture into a baking dish and popped it into the oven. As the squares baked, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aroma of baked goods. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the Date and Banana Squares out of the oven. They were golden brown and perfectly puffed, with the edges slightly crispy and caramelized. I took a bite and was immediately transported to dessert heaven.

The squares were sweet and sticky, with chunks of soft dates and bananas throughout. The flavors were warm and comforting, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and a touch of richness from the butter. I savored every bite, feeling grateful to have learned such a wonderful recipe from my dear friend Martha.

From that day on, Date and Banana Squares became a staple in my own recipe collection. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, sharing the delicious treat with everyone I knew. Each time I baked a batch, I thought of Martha and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking and sharing recipes.

Years passed, and Martha eventually passed away, leaving behind her cherished cookbook and a legacy of delicious recipes. I continued to make Date and Banana Squares in her honor, keeping her memory alive with each batch I baked. The squares became a symbol of friendship and tradition, a reminder of the special moments we shared together in Martha's kitchen.

And so, every time I bake a batch of Date and Banana Squares, I think of my dear friend Martha and the joy she brought into my life through her love of cooking and sharing. Her legacy lives on in the sweet and sticky squares that grace my table, a reminder of the power of friendship and the magic of a good recipe.