Old-Fashioned Date Squares
User Reviews
5
Old-Fashioned Date Squares
Description
The Old-Fashioned Date Squares rely on a thick date filling made from cooked chopped dates, granulated sugar, and water, creating a sweet and slightly sticky center. This is sandwiched between layers made from a dry mixture of rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and melted butter, which bakes into a golden, crisp crumb topping and base. The contrast between the chewy date center and the crumbly oat topping is the defining characteristic of this classic treat.
The bars bake in an 8-inch square pan at 350°F until golden and firm, then cool fully before slicing. The combination of oats and brown sugar in the crumble adds a subtle nutty sweetness that complements the rich date filling.
These date squares serve as a wholesome snack or dessert, suitable for sharing or packing in lunches due to their stability at room temperature. They can be stored sealed for several days or refrigerated for up to a week. Freezing allows preservation for about two months.
They are straightforward to prepare and offer a satisfying texture and flavor contrast, making them a reliable choice for a baked good with familiar ingredients.
Ingredients
FILLING
- 1½ cups dates chopped, preferably medjool dates
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup water
CRUMBLE MIXTURE
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups rolled oats quick cooking oats
- 1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter melted and cooled
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Grease and flour or line an 8 inch square (20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
FILLING
- In a medium pot add the chopped dates, granulated sugar and water, bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes or until the dates start to fall apart and mixture thickens. Let cool.
CRUMBLE MIXTURE
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt, add the melted butter and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula to combine.
- Place 1/2 the mixture in a greased and floured or parchment paper lined 8-inch square baking pan, and press firmly down. Place the date mixture on top, then top with the remaining crumb mixture, gently press.
- Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on wire rack completely before removing and cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Freeze completely cooled squares with parchment paper separating layers to avoid sticking; they keep well up to two months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16squares
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 201mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 155mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 375IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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