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Date slice bars are a classic treat that combines the natural sweetness of a date with the delicious crunch of old-fashioned oat crumble to make a satisfying and healthy treat. Delicious and easy to make, date slices are perfect for any occasion.
Also known as a date crumble square or date bar, this classic recipe is a spin-off of a recipe my Grandmother used to make for tea time, and it never seems to disappoint! The date filling is made by simmering the pitted dates, water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until the date mixture is thick and jam-like. The oatmeal crust is made by mixing together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt and then cutting in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Once the crust is prepared, the delicious date filling is sandwiched between the crumble’s bottom and the top. The whole thing is then baked until golden brown.
I love that this healthy date slice satisfies any sweet cravings but contains a minimal amount of refined sugar. Even if you’re not a fan of dates, the date puree tastes more like caramel than a date itself. This sweet treat is an ideal addition to any lunchbox, too— chewy, sticky, sweet, and packed with oats. Delicious!
Why We Love This Recipe
Date bars are a traditional recipe that has been passed down in our family from generation to generation. The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, making it ideal when you are short on time but still want to enjoy a tasty treat. Here are just a few reasons we love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy To Make: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.
- Tastes Delicious Every Time: The combination of dates, butter, and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like flavor that is hard to resist.
- Healthy ingredients: Dates are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and resulting in low processed sugars.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, it can be made gluten-free using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Can be Made Ahead: This bar is wonderful to make ahead for any event you may need it for. When stored properly, these Date bars taste great for days.
Variations and Ingredient Substitutes for the Date Slice
I always recommend trying our recipes as written the first time around; however, experimenting with different ingredients can result in unique and delicious variations of the classic date slice recipe. If you have any dietary restrictions or just want to add your own spin to this recipe, here are a few options:
- Add Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be added for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. They can be chopped and mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added to the dough for extra warmth and flavor. A pinch of salt can also enhance the sweetness of the dates.
- Flour Substitutes: Whole wheat flour or almond flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. Gluten-free flour can also be used for those with gluten intolerance.
- Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar as a natural sweetener. Coconut sugar or brown sugar can also be used for a richer flavor. You can also use almond extract or French vanilla extra to replace the pure vanilla extract.
How to Make Date Slices
This easy recipe is a favorite in our home and is always a ‘ go-to ‘ whenever our family craves a delicious but simple treat! Let’s get to the delicious recipe.
Ingredients
Making delicious date squares requires a few key ingredients:
For the Date Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups of pitted dates
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Crumbly Oatmeal Topping:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Directions
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2. Begin by removing the pits from the dates if there are any. This can be done by cutting the dates in half lengthwise and gently pulling the pit out. Once the pits are removed, the dates can be chopped into small pieces using a sharp knife. You may also want to use a food processor for this step.
Step 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, water, and the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, then remove from heat.
Step 4. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including oats, pastry flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and blend until the mixture resembles crumbs. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a parchment paper-lined, 9-inch square baking dish.
Step 5. Spread the sweet date filling over the base, and sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
Step 6. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly toasted, about 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into 12 squares.
Step 7. Enjoy!
Date Slice Tips and Tricks
- Date variations all taste slightly different. Although you can use any type of date, Medjool dates are wonderful to use for this simple recipe.
- Look for dates that are plump, shiny, and soft to the touch. Avoid dates that are dry, hard, or have cracks on the skin. Fresh dates have a sweet aroma and a rich, caramel-like flavor that will enhance the taste of your date slice.
- Pit the dates and chop them finely for even distribution throughout the slice, or you can use a food processor to combine the ingredients into a uniform mixture easily.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking tray to ensure the slice holds together well.
- Allow the slice to cool completely before cutting into bars for cleaner edges.
- If you notice that the date slices have become hard or dry, you can soften them by placing them in a bowl and covering them with warm water for a few minutes. Drain the water and pat them dry before consuming or storing them again.
Storage Tips
Once the date slices are made, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Store the squares in the freezer for up to three months to keep them fresh for even longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Well, if your family doesn’t gobble them up immediately like mine, date squares can last up to a week if stored properly in an airtight container. It is recommended to store them in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. However, it is best to consume them within a few days of making them for optimal freshness.
A date square typically consists of two layers of oat and flour mixture with a layer of sweetened date filling in between. The oat mixture usually includes rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and butter. The date filling is made by cooking chopped dates with water, sugar, and lemon juice until it becomes a thick paste. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients, such as nuts or spices, to enhance the flavor.
Yes, believe it or not, date squares are often considered a traditional Canadian dessert. They have been popular in Canada for many years and are commonly enjoyed as a sweet treat or snack.
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Ingredients
For the Date Filling
- 2 1/2 cups dates pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oat Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups oats large flake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F degrees (175°C degrees).
- Start by removing any pits from the dates. Cut them in half lengthwise and gently remove the pits. Chop the dates into small pieces using a sharp knife or a food processor.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates, water, and the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—oats, pastry flour, cup of brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Blend in butter until the mixture forms crumbs. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a parchment paper-lined, 9-inch square baking dish.
- Spread the sweet date filling over the base, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly toasted, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into 12 squares.
- Enjoy your delicious date slice bars!
Notes
– Pit and finely chop the dates for even distribution in the slice, or use a food processor to combine ingredients into a uniform mixture easily.
– Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish for cohesive slices.
– Allow the slice to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
