This easy Old Fashioned recipe for Date Squares, has a tasty date filling sandwiched between a chewy oatmeal crumble. They make the perfect dessert or snack, also known as Date Slices or Matrimonial Bars they are a delicious addition to your Holiday cookie tray!
At Christmas time my Mom would make the most amazing Square recipes from Coconut Jam Squares which are my favorite to everyones favorite Lemon Cheesecake Squares! So adding another to the collection is always a great idea!
Recipe Ingredients
- Dates – Medjool dates if possible
- Sugar – granulated sugar
- Water
- Flour – all purpose flour
- Rolled oats – the best oats to use are quick-cooking oats
- Brown sugar – light brown sugar lightly packed
- Baking soda
- Salt –
- Butter – melted – I use salted if using unsalted then use a little more salt
What kind of dates should I use in date squares?
You should use medjool dates for this recipe. They are typically found in the fresh produce section of the grocery store.
What are Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are a soft and chewy textured fresh fruit, they have a rich, caramel like taste. They are harvested from the date palm, there is no processing, they are not dried in any form, they are cleaned sorted and packaged straight away.
Whereas dried dates are smaller, firmer and have a sweeter more delicate flavor and are usually found in the baking section of the grocery store.
Are Medjool dates pitted?
Some of the Medjool dates are pitted, but if you purchase the ones with pits, you will have to remove them before continuing with the recipe. All you need to do is slice the date lengthwise and remove the pit.
How to make date squares
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. Let cool.
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.
Are dates good for you?
Yes they are, they are high in fiber and antioxidants, they can help with improved digestion and lower cholesterol, they also great for weight loss.
How to store this square recipe
They can be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container for 3-4 days. If you want them to last a little longer, you can place the container of date bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
How to freeze the Date Squares
Freeze the completely cooled squares in a freezer safe container with parchment paper between the layers. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
What are date squares made of?
Date squares are made with a lot of pantry staples you probably already have at home. Besides dates, this recipe calls for: sugar, water, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and butter.
Did you know?
Date squares are also known as “matrimonial squares” because of the 2 separate layers coming together. This is representative of 2 people coming together to form one marriage and family.
Date squares can be eaten as a snack or even dessert. So if you are looking for a classic recipe to make with dates, I hope you give these Old Fashioned Date Square recipe a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
More Cookie Square Recipes
Old-Fashioned Date Squares
Ingredients
FILLING
- 1½ cups chopped dates (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!
Susan Hall says
Good Day to you,
I have a question for you. Do you need to cook the bottom layer at 350 for 7 minutes to get the perfect bottom crust for your squares. It seems to be a frequent question among bakers.
What do you suggest? Waiting for a reply to my email. This recipe looks so yummy. My family likes more dates in the filling between the layers. Thank you.
Rosemary says
Hi Susan, I would say yes you should bake it for the 7 minutes, that way the bottom is baked for a bit so that it will hold the filling and doesn’t become soggy. Hope that helps and you enjoy them. Take care!
Tammy says
Best date squares I’ve ever had! Reminds me of my grandmother’s recipe.
Rosemary says
Hi Tammy thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed them. Take care!