Description
Old-Fashioned Date Squares feature a buttery oat crumble layered with a rich, jammy date filling. Soft in the middle and crisp on top, these nostalgic bars taste just like Grandma used to make — cozy, wholesome, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with tea.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Oat Crust and Topping:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) rolled oats
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Date Filling:
- 2 cups (300 g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or orange zest
Instructions
- Make the Date Filling: In a saucepan, combine dates and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in baking soda (it will bubble) and cook until thick and jam-like. Add vanilla and optional citrus. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crumble: In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Assemble: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom. Spread the date filling evenly, then top with the remaining oat crumble, pressing lightly.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Let cool completely before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare filling up to 3 days in advance or freeze for a month.
- Storage: Keep at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Variations: Add chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or substitute whole wheat flour for a rustic twist.
- Serving: Delicious warm or chilled, paired with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream.
- Tip: Don’t overbake — they should stay soft in the middle and golden on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Old-Fashioned Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Date Squares, Date Bars, Oatmeal Date Bars, Classic Dessert Bars, Grandma’s Baking Recipes, Homemade Date Squares, Traditional Date Bars