Oh, how my Dad loved Date Squares. I remember trying these for the first time when I was 5 or 6 years old. Not sure what I loved more, the crunchy sweet topping or the sweet filling. In any case, here is my Dad’s Date Squares recipe.
It was probably a good thing my parents didn’t tell me what the filling was made of. Not sure I would’ve enjoyed them as much as I did. In any case, here’s my old family recipe for you to enjoy.
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If you are curious about where this recipe comes from, I was able to find this interesting article on the Origins of Date Squares.
I didn’t realize it was a Canadian dessert. Cool! Besides my Cinnamon Sugar Beaver Tails, I need to find other unique Canadian Desserts.
What are Dates
A date is a sweet fruit used in a variety of recipes. They also provide a wide variety of essential nutrients. Besides being a very good source of Potassium, dates also provide protein and fiber.
While you are here I suggest you check out all my other delicious Canadian Recipes. Some of the recipes are new while others are well over 50 years old but they all originated in Canada.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Date Squares recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Oatmeal, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Light Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Dates, Water and Vanilla Extract.
How to Make Date Squares
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix all of the oatmeal mixture ingredients together and add half of the mixture to a greased 9 x 13 pan. Press the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, mix dates, water, and vanilla extract and cook over medium heat until the dates are mushy and most of the water has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure the dates don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add date filling and cover the entire oatmeal mixture. Use the rest of the oatmeal mixture to cover the entire date mixture, gently patting it down so you have some crumbles left.
- Bake for 45 minutes. The top should be slightly brown. Let the dish completely cool down before cutting and serving.
Dad’s Date Squares
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Ingredients
OATMEAL MIXTURE
- 2 ½ Cups Oatmeal
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 Tsp Baking Powder
- ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted
DATE FILLING
- 1 lbs Dates, chopped
- 3 Cups Water
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix all of the oatmeal mixture ingredients together and add half of the mixture to a greased 9 x 13 pan. Press the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, mix dates, water and vanilla and cook over medium heat until the dates are mushy and most of the water has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure the dates don't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add date filing and cover the entire oatmeal mixture. Use the rest of the oatmeal mixture to cover the entire date mixture, gently patting it down so you have some crumbles left.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Top should be slightly brown. Let dish completely cool down before cutting and serving.
Notes
I made these for a get together at work and they were so simple and delicious to make. Everyone loved them. I must have given out the recipe a dozen times. Not too sweet but very delicious. I also put a dozen in the freezer for when company comes. Two thumbs up.