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“Gramma’s” Old-Fashioned Date Squares (A Chewy & Classic Treat!)

The impressive, homemade platter of beautiful and festive Old-Fashioned Date Squares being served as the centerpiece on a cookie platter at a sophisticated Christmas party.

A classic, old-fashioned recipe for ‘Gramma’s Date Squares.’ This dessert bar features a sweet and chewy date filling sandwiched between a buttery, crumbly oatmeal crust and topping. The base and topping are made from the same mixture of oats, flour, and brown sugar. The filling is a simple stovetop compote of diced dates cooked until thick.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 ½ cups sifted pastry flour
  • 1 ⅓ cups packed brown sugar, divided
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ pound pitted dates, diced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, pastry flour, 1 cup of the brown sugar, the baking soda, and salt.
  3. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, mix in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  4. Press half of this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9-inch square baking pan to form the base.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine the diced dates, water, and the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the mixture has thickened.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  8. Spread the date filling evenly over the crumb base in the pan.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top of the date filling.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly toasted and golden brown.
  11. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 12 squares.

Notes

  • This is a classic ‘oatmeal bar’ or ‘matrimonial cake’ recipe, perfect for a holiday dessert platter.
  • The crust and the topping are made from the same simple, crumbly mixture.
  • The filling is a simple, homemade date compote cooked on the stovetop.
  • It is essential to let the squares cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets and the squares hold their shape.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/old-fashioned-date-squares/