These Easy Date Caramel Squares are soft, rich, and naturally sweetened with dates. A buttery base and topping sandwich a smooth, sticky date caramel layer, creating a comforting dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for everyday treats, gatherings, or gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally sweetened with dates for deep caramel flavor
Simple ingredients you likely already have
No complicated techniques or special equipment
Soft, chewy texture with a buttery crumble
Easy to make ahead and store well
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the base and topping
all-purpose flour – 2 cups (250 g)
rolled oats – 1 cup (90 g)
granulated sugar – 3/4 cup (150 g)
unsalted butter, melted – 3/4 cup (170 g)
baking powder – 1 teaspoon
salt – 1/4 teaspoon
vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
For the date caramel filling
pitted dates, chopped – 2 1/2 cups (400 g)
water – 1 1/4 cups (300 ml)
unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons (30 g)
lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 23 cm (9 x 9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates and water. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the dates are very soft and the mixture is thick.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mash or blend until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly and evenly combined.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the date caramel evenly over the base layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, gently pressing it down slightly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom to the crumb mixture for warm spice notes
Replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture
Stir 1/2 cup chopped nuts into the topping for added crunch
Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on top once cooled for extra richness
Storage/Reheating
Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These squares are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use date paste instead of whole dates?
Yes, you can substitute with about 1 1/2 cups of date paste and reduce the water accordingly.
What type of dates work best?
Soft varieties like Medjool or Deglet Noor work very well for a smooth caramel texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative of equal quantity.
How do I know when the squares are fully baked?
The top should be lightly golden and set, with no wet crumbs visible.
Can I reduce the sugar in the base?
You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but the texture may be slightly less tender.
Do these squares need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is optional, but it helps extend freshness, especially in warm climates.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting baking time slightly.
Are these squares very sweet?
They are moderately sweet, with most of the sweetness coming from the dates.
Can I cut them while warm?
It’s best to wait until fully cooled so the layers set properly.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.
Conclusion
Easy Date Caramel Squares are a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with deep, comforting flavor. With their soft crumb, rich date filling, and excellent make-ahead potential, they’re a reliable treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Easy Date Caramel Squares are a soft, chewy dessert made with a buttery oat base and a naturally sweet date caramel filling. These bars are simple to prepare and perfect for everyday snacking or special occasions.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:16 squares
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (400 g) pitted dates, chopped
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 23 cm (9 x 9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, combine chopped dates and water. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until soft and thickened, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mash or blend until smooth. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add melted butter and vanilla to the dry mix. Stir until crumbly and well combined.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread date caramel evenly over the base.
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and press down gently.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden on top.
Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use soft Medjool or Deglet Noor dates for smoothest texture.
Add cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice flavor.
Stir in nuts or drizzle with dark chocolate for extra richness.
