Description
These Date Squares are rich, buttery, chewy, and packed with comforting homemade flavor in every bite. The soft date filling layered between golden oat crumble creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making this an easy dessert recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert bars, healthy snacks, and cozy food ideas for family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped dates
1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Add the chopped dates and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring frequently until the dates soften and form a thick filling.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly texture forms.
6. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
7. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
8. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping becomes lightly golden brown.
11. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
12. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
Allow the Date Squares to cool completely before slicing to help the bars hold their shape neatly.
If the dates seem dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking for a smoother filling.
For cleaner bakery-style slices, refrigerate the bars for 20 minutes before cutting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg