Date Squares hold an extra special place in my heart as my Aunt Joan makes the best ones in the world. I’ve only ever eaten the ones she makes, and haven’t had them in about 10 years, but I refuse to eat any others so I don’t muddle my memory of hers. Until now!
For those out there who don’t have a beloved Aunt who is known for her Date Squares, this is what they are: a buttery oat mixture, half of which is pressed into a pan to make the crust, topped with a soft, sweet, cooked date mixture, with the rest of the oat mixture crumbled over top. The recipe couldn’t be easier to mix up, and if you use your food processor to chop the dates, as I did, it makes the whole process even easier.
I thought it would be a fun social experiment to make the Baked boys version, and bring them to work to see what would happen. I feel like Date Squares are one of those things that people think they don’t like, until they try them, and realize they’re delicious. And that’s exactly what happened! I heard a lot of: “I love these, and I don’t even like dates!”.
How did they hold up to Aunt Joan’s? They were a bit thinner, but the taste was on point. I should really find her recipe to add it to the Planet Byn archives!
You can find the recipe here!
More Baked Sunday Mornings here!
SandraM
December 12, 2014 8:26 pmDates squares was also something that was always made in my youth. It is funny when people think they won’t like something and won’t try it. Kinda like zucchini bread or carrot cake. eww veggies in a dessert. heehee
These date squares were good. I wonder if they are more of a Canadian classic. Cause honestly, they are part of my youth. You couldn’t go to an event without seeing date squares.
Susan
December 8, 2014 11:12 pmYes, I would love to have your aunt’s recipe! Great photo, too!
Dafna | Stellina Sweets
December 8, 2014 4:22 pmNicely done, Robyn! Your topping/crust looks less crumbly than some of us other bakers’. I, too, was one of those people who *think* they don’t like Date Squares, but I was very wrong. These were so good, especially with Toffee Sauce drizzled on top!