Hi friends, it’s Darian from County Mama Cooking! As a busy wife, mother of three, and dog owner, I’m always on the lookout for tasty treats to satisfy my family’s sweet tooth. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite classic desserts that never goes out of style – the humble yet delicious Date Squares. Stick around as I walk you through why this old-fashioned bar cookie needs to be on your baking bucket list!
Date Squares hold a special place in my heart. Their rich, sticky sweetness reminds me of the treats my grandma used to make when I was a little girl. She’d always have a freshly baked pan waiting when we came to visit. One bite instantly transported me back to a simpler time.
And I’m clearly not alone in my love for these old-fashioned bar cookies. Date Squares have been gracing cookie tins and potlucks for generations, making them a true tried-and-true classic. Their appeal lies in their simplicity. Just a shortbread crust topped with a luscious date filling. No fancy ingredients needed, just good old-fashioned goodness.
Date Squares
Equipment
- oven
- 1 8 x 8 baking pan
- parchment paper
- 1 pot
- 1 medium-sized bowl
- 1 spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups Pitted and chopped dates loosely packed
- 1¼ cup Water
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract Optional
Crust/Crisp
- 2 cups Quick oats
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Brown sugar + 2 TBSP
- ½ tsp Baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ¾ cup Unsalted butter +1 TBSP
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350F. Grab an 8 x 8 baking pan and line with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra parchment paper hanging out to help remove the squares later.
- Pit (if needed) and chop/dice up the dates. I like to throw them into my food processor and chop them up that way. It’s a lot quicker.
- In a pot, over medium heat, toss in the dates, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture come to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture hits a full boil, reduce heat sprinkle in the baking soda and continue stirring for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes, remove from heat and let the filling mixture cool.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together quick oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pinch of salt, and cinnamon.
- Once mixed, add in softened butter, and mix.
- In your parchment lined paper baking pan, pour half of the crust/crisp mixture and press it firmly down.
- Pour in the filling mixture and using a spatula or a spoon, spread the mixture evenly.
- Take the rest of the crust/crisp mixture and sprinkle it over the top.
- Bake in the oven at 350F for 35-40 minutes.
- Once done, remove from oven and let cool for a couple of hours before removing from baking pan. When the date squares are cooled down, lift the parchment paper to remove them. Then cut your squares and serve!
Video
Notes
Tips for Baking Perfect Squares
While the ingredients for date squares are simple, follow these tips for the best results:
- Use fresh, moist dates for maximum flavor. Avoid any that are dried out.
- Don’t skimp on the butter in the shortbread crust. It provides rich flavor and a crisp texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This prevents the squares from losing their shape.
- Bake until the shortbread is lightly golden, not dark brown. This prevents it from tasting burnt.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges. Use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.
Serving Up Date Squares
Date squares are versatile treats that can be served in many fun ways:
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an impromptu dessert
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added decadence
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a sweet touch
- Layer between crackers with peanut butter for handheld snack
- Cut into smaller pieces to add to trail mixes or granola
- Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness and fiber
- Serve alongside sharp cheddar cheese and nuts for contrasting flavors
- Crumble on top of oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese
FAQs About Making Date Squares
How do you store leftover date squares?
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can you use pre-chopped dates instead of whole?
It’s best to use whole pitted dates. The texture of pre-chopped dates is often too mushy for date squares.
What can I do if the date filling is too dry?
Add an extra tablespoon or two of orange juice to the filling to loosen it up.
Can I make date squares without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have an allergy or simply prefer a nut-free version.
What kind of dates work best?
Medjool and deglet noor dates are most commonly used. Avoid dried, hard dates.
To wrap up, Date Squares are a cherished classic dessert that always take me back to childhood. Their old-fashioned charm comes from their simplicity – just dates and shortbread coming together to create something special. I hope my tips help you bake up the perfect pan to enjoy with your own loved ones.
Here at County Mama Cooking, it’s recipes like these that I love sharing to bring a little sweetness into your day. The joy of baking is creating treats that put a smile on people’s faces. And these Date Squares never fail to do just that!