“Gramma’s” Old-Fashioned Date Squares (A Chewy & Classic Treat!)
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, pastry flour, 1 cup of the brown sugar, the baking soda, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender or your fingers, mix in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9-inch square baking pan to form the base.
- In a small saucepan, combine the diced dates, water, and the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Spread the date filling evenly over the crumb base in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top of the date filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly toasted and golden brown.
- 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/