Description
Gramma’s Date Squares are a comforting treat combining sweet dates with a crumbly oat topping. Perfect for tea time or as a dessert, they are easy to make and filled with nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup butter, softened (or substitute for healthier options)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the date mixture by combining chopped dates and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the dates soften and form a thick paste. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool slightly.
- Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the filling. Do not press down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the dates; they should be soft but not caramelized.
- Don’t pack the crust too tightly in the baking dish to maintain a crumbly texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to enhance flavor.
- If desired, mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Gramma's Date Squares, date squares, oat date bars, homemade date squares, easy date squares, comforting dessert