Description
Classic buttery oat date squares layered with a sweet, tender date filling. These nostalgic bars feature a crumbly oatmeal crust and a rich caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and dates, making them perfect for holidays or everyday baking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups sifted pastry flour
- 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 pound pitted dates, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, pastry flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fingertips until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, water, and remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened into a paste.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Spread the warm date mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the top and gently press down.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.
Notes
- Rolled oats provide the best texture; quick oats may result in a softer crust.
- Substitute pastry flour with all-purpose flour minus 3 tablespoons, replaced with 3 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Freeze individually wrapped squares up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
