California Prune Oatmeal Squares Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Soften butter: Remove butter from the refrigerator to soften at room temperature, ensuring it’s easy to blend into the crumbs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate butter: Using clean hands, mix the softened butter into the dry oatmeal mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Create crust layer: Press half of the oatmeal crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Layer the prune filling: Evenly spread the prune filling paste over the crust layer in the pan.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
- 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
