Name: Vegan Date Square Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 360 g large Medjool dates (about 2 packed cups), pitted and roughly chopped; 245 g water (about 1 cup); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g rolled oats (about 2 cups); 130 g all-purpose flour (about 1 cup, oat flour can be used as a substitute); 130 g vegan butter or refined coconut oil (about ½ cup); 110 g brown sugar (about ½ cup); ½ tsp salt

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for wholesome treats, this Vegan Date Square Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dessert. Packed with naturally sweet Medjool dates, golden baked oats, and a hint of vanilla, these bars deliver a perfect balance of chewy and crumbly textures. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also satisfying and heartfelt. Let me walk you through how to make these delightful squares that feel like a cozy hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls filled with different ingredients on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with chopped dates in dark brown color. Next to it, on the right, is a glass measuring cup filled with clear water. To the right of that is a white bowl with light yellow butter. Below the butter, there is a white bowl of beige rolled oats. Below the water measuring cup is a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Next to the sugar, on the left, is a small white bowl with salt. To the left of the salt, there is a white bowl filled with white flour. Below the sugar and salt is a small white bowl with dark brown coconut sugar. To the right and slightly below that is a white bowl with a silver spoon filled with light golden oil. A small dark bottle of organic vanilla extract is placed in the center of the arrangement. The overall setup is neat and clear, showcasing all ingredients separately on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Date Square Recipe lies in its straightforward, down-to-earth ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture — from the deep caramel notes of the dates to the buttery richness of vegan fat and the wholesome bite of oats.

Large Medjool dates: About 360 g, these are the naturally sweet star of the filling, lending a luscious, caramel-like texture.
Water: 245 g helps soften the dates and blend flavors beautifully during simmering.
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, to lift the sweetness with a fresh, tangy contrast.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, which reacts with the acid to create delightful bubbles and lightness in the filling.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, adding a warm, inviting aroma that complements the dates perfectly.
Rolled oats: 200 g, giving the squares their coarse, crumbly texture and nutty undertones.
All-purpose flour: 130 g (or oat flour for a gluten-free twist), to bind the oat mixture just right.
Vegan butter or refined coconut oil: 130 g, crucial for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping and base.
Brown sugar: 110 g, bringing caramelized sweetness and moisture to the oat layers.
Salt: Half a teaspoon, to enhance and balance all the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Date Square Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars lift out easily once baked. This simple prep sets the stage for a smooth baking process and perfect, neat squares.

Step 2: Create the crumbly oat mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Then add the vegan butter or coconut oil in solid form. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the fat into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly, consistent mixture. This step is essential because it builds both the bottom crust and the crumbly topping texture that makes these squares so irresistibly satisfying.

Step 3: Make the luscious date filling

Place the chopped Medjool dates, lemon juice, and water into a small saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer, letting the dates soften and meld for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda, which will bubble up and lighten the filling. Keep stirring and mashing the dates until they form a thick, pasty consistency that will spread beautifully between the oat layers.

Step 4: Assemble your vegan date squares

Press about half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan — think of it as the sturdy foundation for your dessert. Evenly spread the date filling over this base using the back of a spoon, then cover with the remaining oat mixture and gently press down. This layering creates the classic date square structure of chewy filling nestled inside crumbly, buttery oats.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Pop your assembled square into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown. Patience is key here because letting the bars cool completely before cutting allows the filling to set perfectly and the squares to hold their shape beautifully when served.

How to Serve Vegan Date Square Recipe

The image shows nine squares of oat bars arranged close together on white parchment paper. Each bar has two visible layers: a soft, slightly sticky light brown base and a thick, crumbly golden oat topping with whole oats and small crumbs scattered around. The bars are sitting on a white marbled surface next to a few whole dates and a glass of milk partially visible on the right side. A blue and white striped cloth is placed on the upper left corner of the image. The texture of the oat topping is rough and crunchy while the base looks moist and dense. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These squares shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of coconut whipped cream adds an extra special touch. Toasted chopped nuts also add a delightful crunch contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft, sweet filling.

Side Dishes

For a wholesome snack or dessert spread, serve your squares alongside fresh fruit such as sliced pears or apple wedges. A hot cup of herbal tea or rich vegan coffee complements their sweetness perfectly, making your treat feel even more comforting and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the squares smaller and arranging them on a wooden board with nuts, dried fruit, and vegan cheese for a charming vegan dessert platter. You can also sandwich a smear of nut butter between two squares for a decadent handheld treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Vegan date squares keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes them an ideal dessert to prepare ahead for gatherings or your weekly coffee break snack.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Vegan Date Square Recipe later, simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To revive frozen squares, unwrap and warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works perfectly when you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

While Medjool dates are preferred due to their softness and natural caramel flavor, you can use other varieties. Just be sure to soak firmer dates in warm water beforehand to soften them for a smooth filling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this Vegan Date Square Recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for oat flour or another gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check your oats are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.

Can I substitute the vegan butter with oil?

Yes, refined coconut oil is a great substitute, providing similar richness and a subtle coconut aroma. Avoid unrefined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.

How long do the squares stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these squares can stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend their life to a week, though the texture may firm up slightly.

Are these squares suitable for kids?

Absolutely! They make for a wholesome snack packed with natural sweetness and no artificial ingredients, perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Vegan Date Square Recipe a try soon because it really is one of those comforting, healthy treats that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Once you taste the tender, caramel-tinged filling cradled between crumbly, buttery oat layers, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved classic in my kitchen. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

Vegan Date Square Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need