Date squares
Make Date squares once and it will go straight into your regular rotation. Prep takes about under an hour, cooking around under an hour, and it serves 4. Sweet without being heavy, it works just as well for an afternoon treat as for dessert. Scroll down for the ingredients, the step-by-step method, and answers to the questions we get asked most about it.
- Level Medium
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cup Pitted Dates
- 1 cup Water
- 1 ½ cup Vanilla
- 2 cup Oats
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- To make the date filing: Combine the dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, around 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and let cool. Set aside.
- Combine rolled oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a food processor. Pulse 3 times (careful not to overmix, you don’t want the mixture to be powdery, just combined). Add butter and pulse again until the mixture is crumbly in pea-sized clumps. Transfer to a mixing bowl to thoroughly mix in the butter.
- Spread half of the oat mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing down to make a flat, equal bottom later. Add the date mixture over the crust and then spread evenly. Layer with the remaining oat mixture and press down to flatten the top layer.
- Bake in the centre of the oven until the top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Date Squares keep well, covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, and frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Tips for the best Date squares
- Use a kitchen scale for the dry ingredients if you have one — baking is less forgiving than cooking.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 9 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Preheat the oven fully before anything goes in — a cold start changes the texture.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Slow cooker: brown everything first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours instead of simmering.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Dust with icing sugar just before serving and pair with coffee or tea.
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Date squares recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 9 ingredients and 5 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Can I make Date squares ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for pitted dates?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Recipe data via TheMealDB — source
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