Square Date Muffins

Name: Square Date Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 9 squares
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (ground); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (ground); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pitted dates (chopped); 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 large egg (beaten); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

40 min 9 squares Easy

All Recipes

Square Date Muffins

Square date muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins, perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Square date muffins are a unique and delicious twist on the classic muffin. With their rich, sweet flavour and moist texture, they're a treat everyone will love. These muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying them as a dessert or as a sweet start to your day. Dates are naturally sweet and provide a wonderful caramel-like flavour that pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. These muffins are not only tasty but also offer a great way to incorporate more dried fruit into your diet. Their square shape makes them stand out on any table, adding a fun and whimsical touch to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Servings

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the dates

Place the chopped dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.

Pro tip: Soaking dates helps them blend smoothly into the batter.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Pro tip: Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined to avoid clumps.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, mix the soaked dates (including water), brown sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pro tip: Use a fork or whisk to ensure the egg is fully incorporated.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pro tip: Overmixing can make the muffins dense and tough.

Prepare the baking pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan (20 cm x 20 cm or 8" x 8").

Pro tip: Lining the pan with parchment paper can make removing the muffins easier.

Bake the muffins

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Cool and serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro tip: Cooling slightly helps the muffins set, making them easier to cut.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use fresh, plump dates for the best flavour and texture.</li><li>Soaking dates in hot water makes them easier to blend.</li><li>For a nutty flavour, add a handful of chopped walnuts.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve these square date muffins warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat. They pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon snack. These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.