When you think of classic comfort food, few desserts can rival the rich, sweet, and comforting flavor of date squares. This timeless treat combines the chewy goodness of dates with a buttery, oat-filled crust, creating a dessert that brings nostalgia and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a family gathering or simply want something sweet to enjoy with a cup of tea, date squares are a perfect choice. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Let’s dive into how you can make your own batch of these old-fashioned date squares that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make these delicious date squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Date Filling:
- 2 cups (300g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the dates)
For the Oatmeal Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) rolled oats (not instant oats)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to start making these irresistible date squares. The steps are simple, but the results are guaranteed to impress!
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your old-fashioned date squares.
1. Prepare the Date Filling
Start by preparing the date filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and optional sugar (if your dates are on the tart side). Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. As the dates heat up, they will begin to break down and soften, which will make it easier to mash them into a smooth paste.
Once the dates have softened (about 8–10 minutes), mash the mixture with the back of a spoon or a potato masher until it forms a thick, sticky paste. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. Set the date filling aside to cool while you prepare the oatmeal crust.
2. Make the Oatmeal Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
Next, cut the softened butter into small pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for achieving a tender, crumbly texture in the crust. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the mixture is well combined, set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly, ensuring there are no gaps.
3. Layer the Date Filling
Once the crust is ready, evenly spread the cooled date filling over the pressed oat mixture in the baking pan. Be sure to spread it out into an even layer, covering the entire surface.
4. Add the Crumble Topping
Now, sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups of oat mixture evenly over the date filling, creating a crumbly topping. It’s okay if some of the date filling peeks through; this will give the squares a rustic look and texture.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end to make sure the crust doesn’t burn.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the date squares cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart when you slice them.
Conservation and Storage
These date squares are great for storing, and they actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to meld together. To store them:
- Room Temperature: Allow the squares to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, date squares can be stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. Simply store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare these ahead of time or save some for later, date squares freeze beautifully. After they have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Variations
While the traditional version of date squares is delicious, you can also experiment with different variations to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add some texture by incorporating chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the oat crust. You can also sprinkle sunflower or chia seeds over the date filling for a healthy twist.
- Spices: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat crust or date filling. These spices will add warmth and depth to the squares.
- Coconut: If you’re a fan of coconut, try adding shredded coconut to the oat crust for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate: For a decadent twist, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the baked date squares or stir chocolate chips into the oat mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Date squares are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to serve them. Here are some ideas:
- With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a square with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The rich, caramelized flavor of the dates pairs beautifully with a strong cup of black tea or espresso.
- A la Mode: For a more indulgent dessert, serve warm date squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, chewy squares with cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
- As a Snack: These squares make a perfect on-the-go snack. Pack them into lunchboxes or take them on a road trip for a sweet, wholesome bite.
- For Special Occasions: Date squares are a fantastic choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday parties. They hold up well and are loved by all ages, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned date squares are a dessert that never goes out of style. With their simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and rich, comforting flavor, these squares make for a perfect treat to enjoy at any time of the year. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, you’re sure to create a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and evokes fond memories. Plus, with the ease of preparation and the ability to store or freeze them for later, date squares are as practical as they are delicious. So next time you’re looking for a classic dessert that’s sure to impress, look no further than these timeless date squares.
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Old-Fashioned Date Squares: A Classic Dessert That Never Goes Out of Style
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-fashioned date squares are a classic dessert that combines the chewy sweetness of dates with a buttery, oat-filled crust. Perfect for any occasion, these squares are simple to make and full of flavor. They’re great for family gatherings, potlucks, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the Date Filling:
2 cups (300g) pitted dates, chopped
1 cup (240ml) water
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the dates)
For the Oatmeal Crust:
1 1/2 cups (150g) rolled oats (not instant oats)
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Date Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and optional sugar.
Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
Let the dates soften for 8-10 minutes, then mash them into a smooth paste. Add more water if needed for the desired consistency.
Set the date filling aside to cool.
Make the Oatmeal Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Add the softened butter in small pieces and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture for topping.
Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.
Layer the Date Filling:
Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the prepared oat crust.
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the date filling, covering it evenly with a crumbly topping.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the date squares for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Notes
The squares will firm up once completely cooled, making them easier to slice.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener.
For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crust.
These squares freeze well for up to 3 months, so they’re great for preparing ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Oatmeal date squares,Homemade date squares,Healthy date squares,Chewy date bars
