These tender crumb date squares embody the warmth of a classic homemade dessert, perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. With their satisfying layers, they strike a balance between wholesome oats, buttery sweetness, and the pure flavor of dates. Make a batch, and keep them on hand as a comforting snack or a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, sharing them with friends, or savoring a quiet moment alone, these date squares offer a cozy reminder that sometimes, the best indulgences come from time-honored recipes and simple, natural ingredients.
Ingredients For tender crumb date squares
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (about 120 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (about 2.5 g)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground Himalayan sea salt (about 0.5 g)
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature (about 170 g)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (about 200 g)
- 1 3/4 cups rolled oats (about 175 g)
- 1 1/2 cups dates, pitted (about 250 g)
- 3/4 cup water (about 180 ml)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (about 5 ml)
How To Make tender crumb date squares
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until blended. Add the room-temperature butter and use a pastry cutter to incorporate it into the flour mixture.
- Add the brown sugar and rolled oats, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly without overmixing. Scoop half of this flour-oat mixture into an 8 x 8 inches (about 20 x 20 centimeters) lightly buttered baking dish. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to form a compact base. Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 180°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water, and vanilla extract. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the dates soften, stirring frequently and mashing them as they cook. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
- Spoon the date filling evenly over the base layer in the baking dish, leveling it out with a spatula. Add the remaining oat mixture on top and press it down gently.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares.
As you bite into these date squares, appreciate the harmony of textures: a crumbly oat topping yielding to a lush, fruity layer beneath. The comforting flavors prove that a simple homemade treat can still feel special, celebrating the natural sweetness of dates and the wholesome goodness of oats. Whether you’re enjoying them as a nostalgic dessert or a pleasant everyday snack, these date squares serve as a reminder that the most memorable moments often arise from uncomplicated, time-tested recipes. Enjoy each flavorful bite!
