Date Squares Recipe
These Date Oat Squares are a perfect balance of chewy, buttery, and sweet flavors. Made with a crumbly oat crust and a rich, caramel-like Medjool date filling, they’re an easy and wholesome treat for breakfast or a snack.
Date Oatmeal Squares Recipe
These Date Oat Squares are soft, chewy, and sweetened with dates. A wholesome snack or breakfast treat that's easy to make and packed with flavor!
Equipment
Ingredients
For the oat crust:
- 2 cups (180 g) Rolled oats
- 1 cup (125 g) All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) Light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (170g) Softened Butter cubed
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon optional
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
For the date filling:
- 14.1 oz (400 g) Medjool dates pitten
- 1 cup (240 ml) Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the filling: Place dates, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) square baking pan with a strip of parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, brown sugar and baking soda. Add the butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan. Spread the filling over the base, Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
Video
Notes
- Dates: Medjool dates are ideal for this recipe because they are naturally soft, moist, and have a rich caramel-like flavor. If using Deglet Noor or another variety, they may be drier—soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes can help soften them. If you don’t have dates, you can try using figs or prunes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- Oats Matter: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can make the crust too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t work in this recipe.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based alternative to make these bars fully vegan.
- Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
- Watch the Video Recipe: For a better understanding of the recipe steps and texture, I highly recommend watching the video recipe.
- Check the FAQs: If you have any questions, check out the FAQs section located below the recipe card for helpful tips and troubleshooting.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate: Want extra crunch or flavor? Stir in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the filling before baking!
Nutrition
Calories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 144mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 303IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Avoid using steel-cut oats, as they won’t work in this recipe.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes! If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the dates and mash them with a fork or potato masher after soaking to create a smooth filling.
Can you replace dates with prunes (dried plums) or other dried fruits?
Yes! You can replace dates with prunes (dried plums), figs, or raisins, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will be slightly different.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can.
How many dates do we use approximately
I love this recipe. This has been my all time favorite for many years. I also add walnuts to my recipe.
Hello. Please if I only have ready made dates paste ( not medjool pitted dates ) how much cups should I use to make the date filling?
Thank you.
5 to 8 minutes was not nearly long enough, unless I was going to blend this mixture there after otherwise it would need to reduce drastically to become a filling
Looks good…date sugar the best sugar to eat!!!
Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of butter for a healthy version?
No, you can’t replace butter with yogurt.
thanks a lot , my dearest!!!
This is now part of my Christmas baking. So good!
Can you replace dates with dry plums?
Yes! You can replace dates with prunes (dried plums), figs, or raisins, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will be slightly different.