Bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen with Gramma’s Date Squares — a timeless treat that blends a soft, spiced date filling with a golden, buttery oat crumble on both top and bottom. These bars are perfectly sweet, satisfyingly chewy, and brimming with old-fashioned charm. Simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding, they’re destined to become a beloved family favorite.

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Ingredients

For the Date Filling:

• 1½ cups chopped dates (about 250g)

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Oat Crumble:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Date Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates, sugar, and water.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the dates soften and the mixture thickens to a spreadable, paste-like texture.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the crumble.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Base & Topping

In a large bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add in the cold butter cubes and work them into the dry ingredients using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should hold together slightly when pressed.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Set aside ⅔ of the crumble for the topping.
Press the remaining ⅓ firmly into the base of your prepared pan to form an even layer.
Spread the warm date filling over the base and smooth it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly on top, pressing gently so it adheres.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges begin to bubble slightly.
Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
Once cooled, lift the square out using the parchment paper, and slice into squares or rectangles.

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Tips for the Best Date Squares

• Softening Dates: If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then drain well before chopping.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for even longer freshness.

• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual squares and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.

• Add a Twist: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumble can add a warm, spiced note.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These old-fashioned date squares bring together the rich, caramel sweetness of simmered dates and the irresistible crunch of buttery oats. They’re perfect as a snack, a sweet breakfast, or an after-dinner dessert — and they always taste like comfort and home. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or indulging solo, these bars are a bite of tradition you’ll want to savor again and again.