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+ servings
Two squares of date square stacked on a plate. Coffee mug a creamer cup in the background with white flowers.
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Old Fashioned Date Square

A classic, old fashioned dessert made with dates and an oat crumble base and topping.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Dates, Oats
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 16 squares
Calories 222kcal

Ingredients

Date Filling

  • 375 grams pitted dates vacuum packed or fresh Medjool dates - about 20
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats not instant
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup butter cut into pieces

Instructions

Date Filling

  • Cut dates into small pieces. If using fresh Medjool dates, pit them first, then chop into small pieces.
  • Add dates and water to a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to just a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the dates break down and become thick.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Set aside to cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Crust

  • Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar and baking soda.
  • Melt the butter, and pour into the oat mixture and stir to combine.
  • Transfer about half to 2/3 of the oat mixture to the prepared 8x8 baking pan and press into an even layer.
  • Top with the cooled date mixture, using an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
  • Top with remaining oat mixture, and press gently with your fingertips.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble topping has browned and the filling is set.
  • Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing and cutting into squares.

Notes

  • If you want a thinner square, use a 9x13 inch pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 16servings | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg