A Classic Dessert with Timeless Appeal

Date Squares are the perfect balance of natural sweetness and a hearty oat crumble, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a buttery oat crust and a rich, gooey date filling, these bars are both nostalgic and satisfying. They’re great for breakfast, snack time, or dessert and come together easily with simple pantry ingredients.

A Family Favorite with a Homemade Touch

Growing up, date squares were always a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The combination of warm, caramel-like dates and a crumbly, buttery oat topping created a comforting, homemade dessert that felt both indulgent and wholesome. This version keeps the tradition alive with a perfectly balanced filling and a deliciously crisp crust.

Ingredient Notes

What You’ll Need

Dates: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a soft, jammy texture.
Rolled oats: Give the crust and topping a hearty bite.
Flour: Helps bind the oat mixture together.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy crumble.
Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the dates.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the date filling.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
Baking soda: Helps soften the date mixture and maintain the perfect texture.

Substitutions & Alternatives

Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Date Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, water, and baking soda. Cook until the dates soften and form a thick paste, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

2. Make the Oat Crumble

In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are evenly coated and crumbly.

3. Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Press half of the oat mixture into a greased baking dish to form the crust. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, pressing lightly.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the squares to cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for the Best Date Squares

Use Fresh, Soft Dates – Medjool dates work best for their naturally soft texture and caramel-like flavor.
Let Them Cool Before Slicing – This helps the bars hold their shape.
Add a Pinch of Salt – A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating & Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Enjoy at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free oats and substitute flour with almond or oat flour.

Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! Try figs, apricots, or raisins for a twist on the classic date squares.

Are these bars healthy?

They’re naturally sweetened with dates and oats, making them a healthier alternative to many desserts.

Final Thoughts

Date Squares are a timeless treat that combines wholesome ingredients with incredible flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to have a delicious snack on hand, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and share your variations in the comments!

Date Squares: A Sweet and Hearty Treat

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 14 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A sweet and hearty treat featuring a gooey date filling and a buttery oat crumble. These classic date squares are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!

Instructions

Prepare the Date Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, water, and baking soda. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and form a thick paste. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Make the Oat Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly.
Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, pressing lightly.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the squares cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.
For extra texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the oat mixture.
Let them cool fully before slicing to help them hold their shape.

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg