Description
These Date Squares are a cozy, old-fashioned dessert with buttery oat crumble layers and a rich, sweet date filling that bakes into the perfect easy recipe. They are ideal for a healthy snack style treat, simple dessert bar, quick breakfast bite with coffee, or easy food idea to share at gatherings, making them one of those timeless baking ideas everyone loves.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped pitted dates
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Add the chopped dates, water, and baking soda to a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook, stirring often, until the dates soften into a thick, jammy filling, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the filling from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, and salt.
6. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.
7. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
8. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust.
9. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
11. Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Use soft, moist dates for the smoothest filling and best flavor.
Let the bars cool fully before slicing so the layers hold neatly.
For extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Keywords: date squares, easy dessert bars, old-fashioned dessert, oat crumble bars, date dessert, easy recipe, food ideas, quick breakfast, healthy snack