Grandma Lucy's Date Squares

Indulge in the comforting nostalgia of *Grandma Lucy's Date Squares*, a timeless treat that's as wholesome as it is irresistible. Featuring a luscious, naturally sweet date filling infused with a hint of tangy lemon, these crumbly bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and zesty. The base and topping are a heavenly blend of rolled oats, brown sugar, and buttery crumbs, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch in every bite. These easy-to-make date squares are ideal as an afternoon snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. With simple ingredients and a prep time of just 20 minutes, this homemade classic is a must-try for fans of vintage comfort food. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or special occasions!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted dates and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and begin to break down, forming a thick paste-like filling, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the lemon juice, mix well, and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy.

Step 5

Add the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt to the butter mixture, stirring to combine. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 6

Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even base layer.

Step 7

Spread the date filling evenly on top of the base layer, making sure it is distributed to the edges of the pan.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the date filling, gently pressing it down to form the top crust.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the date squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars.

Step 11

Serve and enjoy! These date squares can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days, and they also freeze beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1183.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2954.2

Total Fat 13.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1907.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 703.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.7g	0%
Total Sugars 460.9g
Protein 48.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 547.5mg	0%
Iron 18.6mg	0%
Potassium 4388.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.9%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 89.9%