Thick Classic Date Squares

Name: Thick Classic Date Squares
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees; 1 pound pitted dates; 1.5 cups of water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 cups large oats or quick oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 cup brown sugar for oats mixture; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for date mixture; 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda; 1 cup of cubed cold butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon or add to your preference cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; parchment paper; cooking spray