The Best Date Squares Recipe
These delicious Date Squares combine a rich, sweet date filling with a buttery, crumbly oat base and topping. Medjool dates, hot black coffee, and a hint of lemon juice create a perfect balance of flavors, while pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch to the texture. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these squares are a versatile treat, ideal for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast. Serve them alongside coffee or tea, and enjoy their comforting flavors any time of the day.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups Medjool dates chopped and pitted
- 1 cup hot black coffee
- 1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Base:
- 1 1/2 cups large flake oats
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter cubed and slightly soft but still cool
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Line an 8 x 8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the filling first by combining the coffee, dates, sugar and lemon juice in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the baking soda and stir mixture continuously for approx. 4 minutes, until filling is thick and dates are soft.
- Set aside to cool while you prepare the base.
- Combine the first 6 ingredients of the base recipe in a medium-sized bowl and mix to combine.
- Add the butter and use your hands or a fork to coat the flour mixture with the butter until crumbly in texture.
- Press 3 1/4 cups of oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread on the layer of date filling Top with remaining oat mixture and press down slightly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden. Cool completely before cutting and serving.