Healthy Date Squares Recipes

Delicious layers of chewy sweet centers with a cinnamon crumble topping, this date square recipe is a healthier spin on the classic recipe. This healthier recipe uses oats and unrefined flour, and contains no refined sugar. 

I have a slight sweet tooth, and sometimes you just want a dessert that is just not chock full of sugar. 

On a cold winter day, these date squares are the perfect warm treat. They make the perfect dessert, or snack, to sit down with a friend to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee.

Dates are one of my favorite ways to sweeten recipes, like this yummy pumpkin spice ice cream, without having to use sugar – or at least a lot less sugar.

Sometimes if I get a hankering for just a little something sweet, I will grab a date or two just to munch on. Due to their high sugar content they hit the spot.

They are basically like healthy candy: sweet while also containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber (source).

This twist on old-fashioned date squares, also knows as matrimonial squares (or bars), are the perfect dessert everyone will love.

Tips For Making Date Squares

• Ground flaxseed and egg white in the streusel topping are optional, but they add some extra protein. Dates are naturally very sweet, so you don’t need a lot of sugar in this recipe. They are an excellent natural sweetener.
• Medjool dates are best.
• If your dates are dry at all, soak them for a while before proceeding. Pour out any excess water.

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Simple Ingredients:

Pitted dates (400 grams)

Unsweetened apple cider

Orange – Juice and zest. I prefer to use organic oranges when zesting as part of the skin is being consumed.

Lemon juice

Zest from one orange (or lemon)

Sea salt

Baking soda

Crisp Base and Topping

Rolled oats – Also can be called old-fashioned oats. I like the texture of them. If all you have is quick oats, that will work as well.

Spelt flour (or unbleached all-purpose)

Coconut sugar – (also known as coconut palm sugar) Or substitute with brown sugar

Cinnamon

Sea salt

Unsalted butter – Softened

Optional:

Ground flaxseed

Egg white

Zest from one orange or lemon (for extra citrus flavor)

Tools you may need:

Baking dish

Pot

Bowl

Liquid and dry measuring cups

Parchment paper

FAQ:

Do date squares go bad?

Yes. As with any food, they can go bad. They are best enjoyed within 4-5 days. Freeze leftovers…if there are any.

Follow the instructions below for freezing.

How do you use dried dates in baking?

Most dates that are dried can just be used as is. Chop them up or pulverize in the blender. If they are too dry, then you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water before using them in a recipe. Make sure to strain off any excess water.

What do you do with old Medjool dates?

As stated above, rehydrate them with a little water for a few hours. Strain off extra liquid. If they have gone bad, well then, just toss them.

What type of oats should I use for date bars?

I like using rolled oats for this recipe. Rolled oats offer the best texture, in my opinion. You could use other types of oats if you already have them on hand. 

Can these be made vegan?

Yes, swap our the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil (and leave out the optional egg white) to make vegan date squares.

Can these be made gluten free?

Probably. Swap out the oats for certified gluten-free oats, and substitute the flour for a gluten free one for one flour.

How To Make Healthy Date Squares

With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350.

Line an 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease the baking dish with a bit of butter.

Create The Date Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine dates, apple cider, lemon juice, orange juice, citrus zest, and salt to a boil. 

Add the baking soda and simmer for five minutes on medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the dates have fallen apart. 

Let cool.

Create The Crumble

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. 

Add the butter and break the butter up into small clumps to incorporate into the mixture until butter pieces are approximately pea-sized. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine. (Add the optional ground flaxseed and one egg white for a little extra protein and nutrition, if desired.)

Put The Date Bars Together

Spread half the crisp in the baking dish and press firmly. I like to do this with the back of a dry measuring cup. Go around pressing and twisting the cup slightly until it’s evenly packed down in the pan.

Spread the date filling evenly.

Cover with the rest of the oat mixture and press lightly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into them.

Storing Date Squares:

Store in an air-tight container for 4-5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Date bars freeze really well. Slice into individual squares, wrap individually, and freeze.

Find More Delicious Desserts From The Farmhouse:

• Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sourdough Chocolate Cake
• Chai Ice Cream
• Gluten Free Lemon Cake
• Homemade Aooke Pie With Einkorn Crust

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on it, and give it 5 stars! 

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