Date Squares are part of Christmas traditions of many South Africans. According to Annelien Pienaar, author of Boerekos Met ‘n Twist, these treats are served at tea time at her house throughout the December holidays. This recipe is from Annelien’s first recipe book, Boerekos met ‘n twist. We hope their will be many more! Read more about this amazing book here.
Super fine coconut
500 g butter or baking margarine
1 kg sifted icing sugar
500 g dates, pitted and chopped
60 mℓ cacao
2.5 mℓ cinnamon
160 g fine coconut
4 large eggs
10 mℓ vanilla essence
Pinch of salt
250 g Marie cookies, coarsely chopped
150 g Rice Krispies
100 g glazed cherries, chopped (optional)
- Prepare a baking sheet of 30 cm x 45 cm with my Cake release recipe on page 12. Spread a thick layer of fine coconut on the base and the sides.
- Melt the butter and icing but don’t Let it boil.
- Add the dates, cacao, cinnamon and coconut. Kook for 3-5 minutes on medium heat.
- Beat eggs, vanilla and salt in.
- Add immediately Rice Krispies and Marie cookies, mix well and press into baking sheet. Let it cool and cut.
Recipe by Annelien Pienaar from Boerekos met ‘n Twist, p. 148.