Ahh, date squares 😍 — also called date bars or matrimonial cake. Sweet, chewy date filling sandwiched between buttery oat crumble… absolute classic.
Here’s a traditional, foolproof date square recipe that hits that perfect soft-center, crumbly-top balance.
Classic Date Squares
Ingredients
Date filling
- 2 cups chopped dates (pitted)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
Oat crumble
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the date filling
- In a saucepan, combine dates and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick and jammy (5–8 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the crumble
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Assemble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press half the crumble firmly into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Spread date filling evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble on top (don’t press too hard).
- Bake
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely
- This is key! Let cool before cutting so they set nicely.
Pro tips ✨
- Use Medjool dates for richer flavor.
- If dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first.
- For extra richness, add ½ tsp cinnamon to the crumble.
- Cut with a sharp knife once fully cool for clean squares.
Storage
- Keeps 3–4 days at room temperature
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
If you want, I can give you:
- A healthier version (less sugar, whole wheat)
- A no-bake date square
- Or a thick bakery-style version
Just tell me 😄
