If you’re a fan of sweet, gooey, and comforting desserts, then these Date Squares are about to become your new favorite. With a chewy date filling and a crumbly oat topping, they’re the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea in the afternoon or serving them as a dessert after dinner, these Date Squares are a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Date Squares are one of those classic desserts that bring a sense of nostalgia and homey comfort. The natural sweetness of the dates paired with the oat crust makes for a perfect combination. Not only are they easy to make, but they also feel like a warm hug in dessert form. They’re great for any occasion and can be stored easily for snacks throughout the week. Plus, they’re just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without being overpowering!
Ingredients
To make these Date Squares, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Dates (pitted and chopped)
- Rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Baking soda
- Salt
The full list of ingredients can be found below, but these basics come together perfectly to create that signature flavor you’re going to love.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Date Filling
Start by chopping the dates into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with a little water (just enough to cover them) and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the dates break down and form a thick, jam-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to get it to the right consistency. Once the dates are softened and sticky, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Oat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Next, cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. It should look like coarse crumbs. You want the butter to be well incorporated but not melted.
Step 3: Layer the Date Squares
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan (an 8-inch square pan works great). Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a solid base. Then, spread the date filling evenly over the crust. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date filling, pressing it down slightly so it sticks.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. The filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once your Date Squares are done, let them cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This helps them set and ensures they cut cleanly. After that, you’re ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Medjool Dates: For the best flavor, go for Medjool dates. They’re naturally sweeter and have a soft, caramel-like texture that works wonderfully in these squares.
- Add Spices: If you want to give the date filling a little extra depth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture while it’s cooking. It’ll add a lovely warmth to the flavor.
- Make them ahead of time: These squares actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. They’re perfect for making ahead and enjoying later in the week.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nuts: For some extra crunch, you can stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat mixture.
- Gluten-Free: To make these squares gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Date Squares are great on their own, but they also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. If you’re serving them for an afternoon treat, pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover Date Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need them to last a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These squares freeze well! If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
4 FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits in place of dates?
While dates are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with dried figs or raisins for a different flavor. However, dates provide the perfect sweetness and texture for this dish.
Do I need to chop the dates finely?
Chopping the dates helps them break down more easily when cooking, but you don’t need to make them super fine. Just chop them into small, manageable pieces.
Can I make these squares without butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a non-dairy version of these Date Squares.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming too hard?
Make sure to watch the baking time carefully. If the top gets too hard, it might have been in the oven too long. Once it’s golden brown and bubbly, it’s time to remove it!
Conclusion
Date Squares are a timeless treat that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With their sweet date filling and buttery oat crust, these squares are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as a dessert or enjoying them with a cup of coffee. Easy to make, comforting, and utterly delicious, they’re sure to become a recipe you return to again and again!
Print
Date Squares
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re a fan of sweet, gooey, and comforting desserts, these Date Squares are about to become your new favorite. With a chewy date filling and a crumbly oat topping, they’re the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these squares bring a sense of nostalgia and homey comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Date Filling: Chop the dates into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover them and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the dates break down into a thick, jam-like consistency. Add more water if necessary to reach desired consistency. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Oat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Layer the Date Squares: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square pan. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread the date filling over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing down slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The filling should bubble slightly.
- Cool and Slice: Let the Date Squares cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Medjool dates provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
- For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the date filling while it’s cooking.
- These squares can be made ahead of time and will taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg