Classic Old Fashioned Date Squares
Last updated on September 13th, 2026
These Classic Old Fashioned Date Squares are deliciously sweet with a chewy oatmeal crust. A simple blend of brown sugar, sweet dates, butter and oats, this is my ideal treat for a cozy afternoon.
This sticky-sweet, crumbly cake takes me back to my childhood. You know those foods that your mother or grandmother gave you when you were young that you grew up to realize were not only good, but good for you too? This is that. Delightfully sweet, these date squares are super quick to mix up and made with all-natural ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry at home.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make them
- 1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon (1 grams) baking soda
- ¾ cup (175 grams) dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (85 grams) old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, cold (sub dairy free baking stick)
- 2 cups (310 grams) pitted dates, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (42 grams) maple syrup
- 1/3 (85 grams) cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) vanilla
- Pinch kosher or fine sea salt
I always keep Medjool dates on hand for when I want something sweet. They’re high in fibre and antioxidants and have a naturally sweet flavour profile. For this recipe I’ve combined fresh, chewy dates with hearty, fibre-filled oats, dark brown sugar and maple syrup for the perfect, cozy addition to your recipe box.
Here’s how to assemble these Old Fashioned Date Squares
Chop pitted dates then combine with hot water, maple syrup and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook over medium-low heat until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and set aside to cool.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, oats and brown sugar. Next, work in butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is well distributed.
To assemble pan, spread half the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with the back of a wooden spoon to form a base. Cover with cooled date filling. Next, sprinkle remaining oat mixture across the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned, let cool and serve.
🔪 The clean-cut trick
To get clean, bakery-style squares without tearing the crumbly oat topping, never cut them while they’re still warm!
Let the pan cool completely on your counter, then pop it into the fridge for 1 hour to let the jammy date filling firm up before slicing with a sharp knife.
Can these Classic Old Fashioned Date Squares be made dairy free?
Yes. While you won’t quite achieve a comparable degree of caramelization, dairy free baking sticks work well in this recipe.
Enjoy these Classic Old Fashioned Date Squares as a snack, dessert or even a light breakfast with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea. Just pure, old-fashioned goodness in every bite!
Try these Chewy Giant Oatmeal Raisin Cookies or this Rustic Irish Soda Bread with Cranberries and Raisins next.
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Classic Old Fashioned Date Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter sub dairy free baking stick
Date filling
- 2 cups pitted dates chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch kosher or fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare filling first. Combine dates, hot water, maple syrup and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until the dates are softened, and the water is absorbed. Stir in vanilla and set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350º (177ºC) and prepare parchment-lined 8-inch square cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Add oats and brown sugar and mix well. Next, work in butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is well distributed throughout.
- Spread half the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with the back of a wooden spoon to form a base. Cover with cooled date filling. Next, sprinkle remaining oat mixture across the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven, place pan on wire cooling rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes. (For a cleaner cut, chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour once cooled). Slice into squares and enjoy!
