There’s something magical about those old-school recipes that instantly transport you to your childhood. Gramma’s Date Squares are one of those unforgettable desserts that blend sweetness, warmth, and comfort into every single bite.
Whether you’re craving an easy dessert recipe, a healthy sweet snack, or just a taste of the past, these homemade date bars are exactly what you need. Made with pantry staples and love, they’re a must-have for any family recipe box.
Why You’ll Love Gramma’s Date Squares
These aren’t just your average oat bars – they’re soft, rich, and bursting with sweet date flavor. Here's why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
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Wholesome Ingredients: Made with real dates, rolled oats, and a touch of brown sugar.
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Simple to Make: No fancy tools, just a bowl, a pan, and an oven.
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Perfect for Snacking or Dessert: Sweet enough for dessert, healthy enough for a mid-day snack.
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Freezer-Friendly: Bake a big batch and freeze the extras!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this traditional baked good, gather the following:
For the Date Filling:
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2 cups chopped pitted dates
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1 cup water
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oat Crust & Crumble:
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Date Filling
In a saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the dates soften and form a thick paste (about 10 minutes). Stir in vanilla and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Oat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together.
3. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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Press half the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
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Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and gently press it down.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Date Squares Ever
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Use Medjool Dates for a softer and sweeter filling.
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Let Them Cool completely before cutting to get clean, perfect squares.
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Make Them Gluten-Free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Storage & Freezing
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Freeze wrapped squares in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Just thaw and enjoy anytime you’re hit with a craving for homemade date bars.
Are Gramma’s Date Squares Healthy?
While they’re still a sweet treat, Gramma’s Date Squares can be a healthier alternative to store-bought desserts:
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Dates provide natural sweetness and are packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
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Oats offer heart-healthy fiber and whole grains.
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You can even cut back on sugar or swap in coconut sugar for a more natural twist.
Perfect for when you want something sweet without the guilt.
The Sweet Legacy of Gramma’s Recipes
These squares are more than just dessert – they’re a piece of history. Every time you make them, you’re honoring the tradition of passing recipes from one generation to the next.
So dust off that apron, channel your inner Gramma, and bake a pan full of cozy, crumbly, date-filled goodness.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that hits all the right notes – sweet, comforting, and simple – Gramma’s Date Squares are it. Whether you're serving guests, feeding your family, or treating yourself to a little nostalgia, this traditional baked good never disappoints.
Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to easy dessert recipe for life.
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