Preheat the oven to 160C / 325F and line a 20cm square tin with parchment paper.
Place dates and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and cook for 9-10 minutes until soft.
225 g Medjool dates, 125 ml water
Stir in the vanilla extract, and then set aside to cool.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a mixing bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and oats and then rub in the butter lightly.
110 g plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 175 g sugar, 110 g rolled oats, 110 g butter
Now, Press half the flour mixture into the bottom of the baking tin.
Spread the dates on top, then cover with the remaining crumb mixture and press down firmly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until it becomes golden brown.
Cut into squares while still warm, then let it cool, then serve.
Notes
Cut the dish into desired slices while it's still warm or fresh from the oven to get the best flavor. Before storing it in a container, please let it cool completely as this will help it to set.
Use Medjool dates for this recipe as they are the best type of dates for baking and are cheaper and easier to find.
Variations
Add to the mixture cocoa powder for chocolatey flavor! Who would say no to chocolate date slices?
You may add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or dry ginger to the crumble mixture.