California Prune Oatmeal Squares Recipe

Introduction

These Easy California Prune Oatmeal Squares are a delightful treat combining chewy prunes with a buttery oatmeal crumb. Perfect for a wholesome snack or a sweet breakfast on the go, they offer a comforting blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. California Prunes, pitted and dried
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups quick cook oatmeal, dry
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (or coconut sugar)
• 1 1/2 sticks butter, unsalted and softened (12 Tbsp.)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Remove the butter from the fridge to soften while you prepare other ingredients.
3. Step 3: Make the prune filling by processing the pitted prunes with lemon juice, cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the quick cook oatmeal, all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Using clean hands, mix the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Step 6: Spread the prune filling evenly over the oat crust layer.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the prune filling and press lightly to adhere.
8. Step 8: Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble mixture before pressing it into the pan.
• Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar to create a slightly different, richer flavor.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Swap lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter, citrus twist in the prune filling.

Storage

Store the oatmeal squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300° F for 5-10 minutes or enjoy at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of California prunes?

Yes, dried apricots, dates, or figs can be great alternatives, though the flavor and sweetness will vary slightly.

Do I need quick cook oatmeal specifically?

Quick cook oats work best for the crumb texture, but you can try old-fashioned oats; just expect a chewier, less crumbly result.

California Prune Oatmeal Squares Recipe

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4.9 from 124 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make California Prune Oatmeal Squares featuring a flavorful prune filling nestled between crumbly oatmeal layers. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced by lemon juice, these squares offer a wholesome treat with a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Prune Filling

• 8 oz. California Prunes, pitted and dried
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Oatmeal Crumb Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups quick cook oatmeal, dry
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (or coconut sugar)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (12 Tbsp.)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. Soften butter: Remove butter from the refrigerator to soften at room temperature, ensuring it’s easy to blend into the crumbs.
3. Make prune filling: In a food processor, combine 8 oz. of California Prunes with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon. Process for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients blend into a smooth, thick paste.
4. Prepare oatmeal crumb mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups quick cook oatmeal, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. salt.
5. Incorporate butter: Using clean hands, mix the softened butter into the dry oatmeal mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
6. Create crust layer: Press half of the oatmeal crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
7. Layer the prune filling: Evenly spread the prune filling paste over the crust layer in the pan.
8. Add topping layer: Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal crumb mixture over the prune filling and lightly press it down into the filling to create the top layer.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
10. Cool and serve: Allow the oatmeal squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar can provide a lower-glycemic alternative.
• Ensure the butter is softened properly to achieve the best crumbly texture.
• Letting bars cool fully helps them set and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
• Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture.

Keywords: California Prune Oatmeal Squares, prune bars, oatmeal bars, baked prune dessert, healthy oatmeal dessert, easy baking recipe