Spiced Date Squares Citrus (Printable)

Buttery oat squares filled with spiced dates and fresh citrus bring a fragrant, sweet touch to any occasion.

# List of ingredients:

→ Date Filling

01 - 2 cups pitted Medjool dates, chopped
02 - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (approx. 1 large orange)
03 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - Pinch of salt

→ Oat Crust and Topping

08 - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
09 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dates soften and the mixture becomes thick and jammy, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until coarse, moist crumbs form.
04 - Firmly press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even base layer.
05 - Spread the warm date mixture evenly over the oat crust layer.
06 - Scatter the remaining oat mixture over the date layer, pressing gently to adhere.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
08 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang and cutting into 16 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dates turn jammy and caramelized with just orange juice and spices, no refined sugar needed in the filling.
  • The buttery oat crust is crisp on the edges and chewy in the middle, with a flavor that reminds you of the best granola bar you ever had.
  • They slice clean, travel well, and taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded together.
02 -
  • Do not skip cooling completely or the squares will fall apart when you try to cut them, trust me on this one.
  • If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to avoid a grainy filling.
  • Press the bottom oat layer firmly or it will crumble when you slice, a flat bottomed glass works great for this.
03 -
  • Taste your dates before you start, if they are very sweet you can reduce the brown sugar in the oat mixture by a tablespoon or two.
  • Use a bench scraper or sharp chef's knife to get clean, even cuts and wipe the blade between slices for the neatest edges.
  • If the date filling seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or extra orange juice while cooking to loosen it up.

Go back