Christmas Date Squares
Sweet and chewy date squares feature a rich oat crust and a luscious date filling, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy teatime treats, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dates, sugar, and water; cook until thick and set aside.
- Mix remaining ingredients thoroughly to make the oat mixture.
- Press half of the oat mixture into a greased pan as the base layer.
- Spread the cooked date mixture evenly over the oat base.
- Top with the remaining oat mixture and press gently.
- Bake in a moderate oven until light brown, then cool and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the date mixture. You can also substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. If you prefer a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture. To enhance the vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract. These squares can also be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Date Squares as a sweet treat during the holidays or alongside your favorite hot beverage. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. Browse more American recipes for other delightful holiday treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Date Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Date Squares contains roughly 287 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried for this recipe?
Fresh dates have a higher moisture content than dried dates, which may affect the consistency of your filling. If using fresh dates, reduce the amount of water in the recipe, or cook them longer until they thicken sufficiently. Dried dates are typically recommended for the best results.
How can I make these squares vegan?
To make Christmas Date Squares vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also replace the sugar with a vegan-friendly option, such as coconut sugar. Ensure that the oats you use are certified vegan as well for a fully plant-based treat.
What can I serve with these squares for a holiday gathering?
These Date Squares make a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert table. Consider pairing them with a cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses and crackers. They also complement fruit salads or can be served with whipped cream or custard for an extra treat. Mini Fruit Pizza would make a lovely contrast alongside them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).