Easy Date Squares

These old fashioned crumble date bars are simple and oh so delicious! The perfect snack or light dessert, these date bars are great with a cup of tea or coffee. Sweet creamy date filling in between a buttery crust and crumble topping that is all made in one step. A simple sweet unassuming treat that everyone will love.

Date Square/Bar Recipe Ingredients

• OATS: I use old fashioned rolled oats for these bars but you can also use quick oats as well. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture and hold their shape, while quick oats create a softer, finer texture because they are more processed. Use gluten free is desired. I mix this with the flour to make the oat crust. It gives it more texture and more of a bite. Don’t use steel cut oats.
• FLOUR: All purpose flour is what I use for this recipe. I have not tested these bars with gluten free 1-1 flour but it should work just fine.
• BUTTER: I use unsalted butter for this recipe. Melted and cooled slightly before using.
• SUGAR: Brown sugar is what I use for the base and topping of these bars plus the date mixture. Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar works.
• BAKING POWDER: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent in oat bars, creating air bubbles that help the bars rise and give them a lighter, less dense texture
• SALT: Sea salt is what I use but table salt or even kosher salt will work here too. I also like to sprinkle a little malden flaky sea salt on top of these before serving.
• DATES: You can use any type of dates here. I like to use Medjool dates, pitted and chopped. Try to use soft fresh dates for a creamy date filling. Any dried fruit works well for this recipe, like apricots or even prunes.
• LEMON JUICE: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is what I use. It helps to balance the sweetness. You can swap it for lime juice or even apple cider vinegar.
• BAKING SODA: The baking soda helps to soften the dates. When added to the date filling during the cooking process, with boiling water and lemon juice, the baking soda helps the dates break down, soften faster, and turn into a smooth paste. This is particularly useful for dry dates.
• ADD INS: Try adding some warm spices to the crust or date mixture like cinnamon, ginger or cardamom. Try adding other things to the date mixture like chopped pecans or any other type of nuts, shredded coconuts, seeds or even chocolate chips.
  
  

How To Make Date Squares/ Bars (detailed instructions in recipe card below)

1. Prepare Filling: Simmer Dates with water, lemon juice, brown sugar and baking soda stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, or until the dates have fallen apart and you have a smooth date mixture. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare Oat Base & Topping: Whisk together oats, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla and use fork, fingers or rubber spatula to mix until a crumbly dough forms and starts to clump together.
3. Prepare Base & Par Bake: Press ½ -⅔ of the crumbly dough mixture into the base of your prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking the crust is optional but recommended.
4. Assemble Bars & Bake: Spoon and spread the date mixture over warm base, and sprinkle over remaining crumbly dough evenly over top. Bake until lightly golden.
5. Cool Bars: Cool bars completely before slicing.
   
   

Date Square Recipe Tips

• Make sure to line baking pan with parchment paper: Line with parchment paper with overhanging edges makes it easier to lift the date bars out of the pan and slice them neatly
• Press the crust firmly: Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to really press down the bottom layer so it holds together once baked. The top layer does not need to be pressed down.
• Watch the baking time: Pull the bars out as soon as the topping is golden. Over baking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the oven.
• Don’t skip the cooling part: I would recommend at least one hour, but they set even more beautifully if you wait until the next day. Chilling the squares before cutting them with a sharp knife helps achieve cleaner, tidier slices. The oat crumble at room temperature can also break easily so chilling it will get you nicer sliced pieces.
  
  

Date Bars Storage & Freezing

• STORAGE: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, although they can dry out slightly in the fridge.
• FREEZING: Layer the squares in a freezer-safe, airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Alternatively, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a larger freezer bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. Thaw the frozen squares in the refrigerator overnight. You can also let them thaw on the counter, or microwave a single square for about 30 seconds if you want it warm and soft. The texture will be slightly softer once thawed compared to when they were first baked.
  
  

More Recipes You Will Love:

• Blueberry Pie Bars
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Nutella S’mores Bars
• Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Brownies
• Nutella Scotcheroos
• Nutella Bars