Sweet & Crumbly Date Squares Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about these nostalgic date squares.

Buttery oats create a crumbly foundation that hugs rich, caramelized fruit layers.

Childhood comfort meets elegant dessert in one delightful bite.

Warm spices whisper stories of cozy afternoons and loving preparation.

Each square carries a delicate balance between nutty crumble and smooth date filling.

Homemade treats like these connect generations through simple, delicious ingredients.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, sweet moment of this classic dessert.

Date Squares That Deliver Sweet Nostalgia

Effortless Comfort Baking: Perfect for Busy Home Bakers who want a delightful dessert without complicated techniques.

Quick Preparation Time: Takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Nostalgic Family Favorite: Combines classic ingredients like dates and oats in a simple, hearty recipe that reminds you of grandma’s traditional baking, bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a breakfast bar, afternoon snack, or dessert – these date squares work perfectly for multiple occasions and suit different meal times with their wholesome ingredients.

Date Squares Ingredient Breakdown

• Dates: Sweet, sticky fruits that create a rich, soft filling with natural sweetness.
• Water: Helps soften and break down dates for smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor to the date mixture.

• Rolled Oats: Hearty base that provides nutty texture and wholesome character.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the crumble and create structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the date filling.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Melts to create golden, crispy texture in the crumble.
• Baking Soda: Helps soften dates and contributes to smooth filling texture.

Date Squares Baking Steps

Step 1: Craft Luscious Date Filling

In a saucepan, toss chopped dates, water, and baking soda over medium heat.

Let the mixture simmer and bubble for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the dates transform into a velvety, thick paste.

Remove from heat and splash in vanilla extract.

Allow the filling to cool and settle.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Oat Base

• Rolled oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture looks wonderfully crumbly and holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Build Your Delectable Layers

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Lovingly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Gently press half of the oat mixture into the bottom, creating a sturdy foundation.

Spread the date filling evenly across the first layer.

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, giving a light press to secure the layers.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top that signals deliciousness.

Once done, remove and let the squares cool completely in the pan before slicing into irresistible bars.

Date Square Baking Tips That Work

• Use boiling water to help dates break down faster and create a more uniform, creamy filling without lumps.
• Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter if the oat mixture seems too crumbly, ensuring a perfectly textured base and topping.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts between date layers for added crunch and nutty depth.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Store date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Date Squares Storage Tips

• Store date squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen date squares from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing.
• Warm squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture and brings out the rich, sweet flavors.

Comfort Foods That Match Date Squares

• Pair Spiced Chai Tea: Its warm, aromatic spices complement the sweet dates and oat crumble, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the dessert's richness.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture provides a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy date squares, balancing the dessert's temperature and adding a luxurious touch.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's depth and caramel notes amplify the date squares' sweetness, offering a sophisticated and indulgent pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
• Enjoy Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this sauce over the date squares intensifies the flavors, adding a salty-sweet complexity that makes each bite more exciting and memorable.

Date Squares Made With Sweet Little Changes

• Gluten-Free Date Squares: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Date Squares: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based sweetener option.
• Low-Sugar Date Squares: Reduce brown sugar and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Rely on the natural sweetness of dates to maintain flavor profile.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the oat crumble for extra crunch and nutritional value. Mix in ground flaxseed for additional protein and fiber.

FAQs

• Are dates good for you?

Dates are nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They provide natural sweetness and can help improve digestion and boost energy levels.

• Can I use different types of oats?

Rolled oats work best for this recipe. Quick oats might make the texture too fine, while steel-cut oats could be too tough. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect crumbly texture.

• How do I know when the date squares are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly crispy edges. The oat crumble should be set and the dates should look bubbly and caramelized. A light golden color indicates it’s perfectly baked.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Date Squares Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Date squares blend traditional Canadian comfort with wholesome oat-based goodness, delivering rich caramel-like sweetness nestled between golden crumbly layers. Delightful home bakers and dessert enthusiasts will discover pure nostalgic pleasure in this classic Prairie recipe.

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Ingredients

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Filling:

• 2 cups (473.18 ml) dates, chopped (Medjool or Deglet Noor)
• 1 cup (236.59 ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Base and Topping Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (354.89 ml) rolled oats
• 1 cup (236.59 ml) flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• 3/4 cup (177.44 ml) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Binding Ingredient:

• 3/4 cup (177.44 ml) butter, melted

Optional Sweetener Variation:

• Coconut sugar (can be swapped for brown sugar)

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Instructions

1. Craft the date foundation by gently simmering chopped dates with water and baking soda in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring periodically until the mixture transforms into a luscious, thick compote.
2. Incorporate vanilla extract into the date mixture, allowing it to infuse subtle warmth and depth, then set aside to cool and develop flavor.
3. Create a rustic oat crumble by blending rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients, using a fork to distribute evenly and generate a textured, granular consistency.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
6. Distribute half of the oat crumble across the dish’s base, pressing firmly to establish a compact, sturdy foundation.
7. Delicately spread the cooled date filling in a uniform layer atop the initial oat crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble over the date layer, gently pressing to create a rustic, textured topping.
9. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, enticing hue.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the date squares to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and maintains structural integrity.
11. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into precise squares and serve as a delectable, wholesome treat.

Notes

• Soften Dates Perfectly: Simmering dates with water and baking soda breaks down their tough texture, creating a smooth, spreadable filling that’s rich and luscious.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use melted butter at room temperature to ensure even distribution through the oat crumble, creating a consistent, crispy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Storage Tip: Store date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing their delightful crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 201
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg