If you grew up with date squares, you already know how incredible they are—rich, buttery oat crumble with a perfectly sweet and chewy date filling. Whether you call them matrimonial bars or just good old date squares, this classic recipe is pure comfort. It’s a perfect snack with a cup of coffee or tea, and best of all, it’s super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic and comforting – A beloved classic.
Perfect balance of textures – Buttery oat crumble meets soft, jammy filling.
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

Medjool dates, chopped
Brown sugar and butter
Old-fashioned oats and flour
Baking soda and a pinch of salt
A splash of vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Make the Date Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, water, and brown sugar. Stir and cook until the dates break down into a thick, jammy mixture. Stir in vanilla and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Oat Crumble

In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Squares

Press half of the oat mixture into a greased baking dish to form the bottom crust. Spread the date filling evenly over it, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Medjool dates – They’re naturally soft and sweet.
Let them cool – The squares hold together better after cooling.
Don’t overbake – The crumble should be lightly golden, not dark.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add a nutty crunch – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Coconut twist – Add shredded coconut to the crumble.
Make it gluten-free – Use almond flour and certified gluten-free oats.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With coffee or tea – A perfect afternoon treat.
Warm with ice cream – A decadent dessert option.
Drizzle with caramel – For an extra indulgent touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temp before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-chopped dates?
Yes, but they may be drier—add extra water while cooking.
Why are my date squares falling apart?
They need to cool completely before slicing!
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer.
Are date squares healthy?
They’re naturally sweetened with dates, but they still have butter and sugar. A wholesome treat in moderation!

Conclusion

Homemade date squares are a timeless, cozy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft date filling and buttery oat crust, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Old-Fashioned Date Squares – A Classic Sweet Treat

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Old-Fashioned Date Squares are a nostalgic treat with a rich, jammy date filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. Whether you call them matrimonial bars or just a classic dessert, these sweet squares pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they get even better the next day!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Date Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, water, and brown sugar. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and resembles a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool.
Prepare the Oat Crumble: In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Squares: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Spread the date filling over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, pressing lightly.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the squares cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use Medjool dates for a naturally sweet and soft filling. If using drier dates, add extra water while cooking.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold together well.
For extra crunch, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 70mg