Date Oatmeal Squares Recipe

5 from 4 votes

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!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: World

Keyword: dates

Servings: yields

Calories: 253kcal

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.

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!