Newfoundland Date Squares Recipe

If you’re after a nostalgic treat that tastes like it came right out of Grandma’s kitchen, you need to try these Newfoundland Date Squares. Fabulously buttery and tender, layered with a rich, sweet date filling and a golden coconut-oat crumble, these bars are an Atlantic Canadian classic that instantly feel like home. Every bite is just the right amount of chewy, crumbly, and sweet—so it’s no wonder date squares have a spot at every bake sale, potluck, and Sunday supper across Newfoundland. Let’s dig into why this old-fashioned square deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the loveliest parts of making Newfoundland Date Squares is that the ingredient list is simple, humble, and filled with pantry staples. Every component—oats, coconut, dates—plays its part in creating layers of flavor and texture that make these bars genuinely memorable.

• Pitted Dates, roughly chopped: Soft, sticky dates are the heart of this recipe, melting into a luscious, naturally sweet filling.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness to both the crumble and the filling—if you love a buttery square, don’t skimp!
• Sugar: Just a bit, to jazz up the date filling without overpowering its flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds that homey, comforting aroma to the filling.
• Boiling Water: Softens and plumps the dates, making the filling silky and spreadable.
• Rolled Oats: The secret to that classic crumbly base and topping—choose old-fashioned oats for best texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives just a touch of lift, ensuring the squares don’t turn out dense.
• Unsweetened Dried Coconut: A Newfoundland twist! This adds chewy texture and gentle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives needed structure to the crumb mixture—nothing fancy required.
• Brown Sugar: Infuses the oat layer with warm, caramel notes.
• Butter (for the crumble): Be generous, as this is what bakes up into gorgeously golden, crisp topping and base.

How to Make Newfoundland Date Squares

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little step makes removing and slicing the squares a total breeze—and it’ll save you scrubbing time, too! Get this sorted before you start on the date filling, so you’re not rushing later.

Step 2: Simmer the Date Filling

Add your dates, 3 tablespoons of salted butter, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1½ tablespoons vanilla, and 2 cups boiling water into a saucepan. Set it over medium-low heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir the mixture frequently, letting it slowly thicken for about 20 minutes. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes because the filling can go from bubbly deliciousness to scorched in seconds. It’s ready when it turns super thick and jammy—set aside to cool while you work on the crumble.

Step 3: Make the Oat Crumble

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 cup unsweetened dried coconut, 2 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1½ cups butter (cubed and cold works best here!). Now, get in there with your hands and rub the butter right into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This hands-on step is my favorite part—the mix should be tender but stick together when you squeeze it.

Step 4: Build the Base

Press half of the crumble mix into your lined baking dish. Press firmly—don’t be shy! This is the base that’s going to hold your Newfoundland Date Squares together, so you want a sturdy, even layer. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup if you want that perfect press.

Step 5: Spread the Date Filling

Scoop your cooled date filling over the pressed base and use a spatula to gently spread it all the way to the edges. Try to make this layer as even as possible—it’s the gooey middle you’ll taste in every bite, so you want it well distributed.

Step 6: Top and Press Lightly

Scatter the remaining crumble over top of the date layer, covering every spot. Don’t press too hard—just a gentle tap so some of the crumb nestles into the filling but still stays loose and crumbly on top. This step is what creates that irresistible dual-top-and-bottom texture.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and your kitchen smells incredible. Once out of the oven, let the Newfoundland Date Squares cool completely in the pan. Cutting them before they’re cool is tempting, but patience gives you neat slices with perfect layers.

How to Serve Newfoundland Date Squares

Garnishes

The simplest way to make your Newfoundland Date Squares look extra inviting is a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a drizzle of melted chocolate turns these humble bars into a dessert table showstopper!

Side Dishes

Date squares pair beautifully with a mug of milky tea or a cup of strong coffee for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up. Around the holidays, try serving alongside other classic Newfoundland sweets like snowballs or partridgeberry tarts—your dessert spread will be the talk of the party!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your date squares extra special? Cut them into mini bite-sized cubes and stack them on a tiered serving tray for a delightful tea party, or wrap individual squares in waxed paper and tuck them into lunchboxes for a sweet, old-fashioned treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Newfoundland Date Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the crumble from getting soggy—they stay fabulously fresh either way!

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream. Layer squares between sheets of parchment in an airtight tin or freezer bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature a couple of hours before you want to serve for bars that taste freshly baked.

Reheating

If you love warm desserts, pop a square or two in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to take the chill off. This really brings out the gooeyness of the dates and the aroma of the coconut-oat crumble—top with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy treat!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture in Newfoundland Date Squares—a nice sturdy crumble with just the right chew. If you only have quick oats, they’ll work in a pinch but the topping may be a bit softer and less crisp.

Are Newfoundland Date Squares gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, but you can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend with great results. Just check that your oats and coconut are certified gluten-free too!

What’s the difference between Newfoundland Date Squares and regular date squares?

It’s all about that coconut! Newfoundland Date Squares typically include shredded coconut in the crumble, which adds an extra layer of flavor and chew you won’t usually find in classic date squares from other regions.

Can I make these squares vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter for the regular butter, and double-check that your sugar is vegan. The rest of the ingredients—dates, oats, coconut—are naturally vegan-friendly.

How should I cut perfect squares?

Wait until the bars are fully cooled and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. For extra precision, pop the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting—that makes neater edges and prettier presentation every time!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Newfoundland Date Squares before, this is your sign to try. They’re the ultimate comfort food—simple, sweet, and absolutely packed with homemade charm. Share them with loved ones, or keep a secret stash for yourself (I won’t tell!). Once you taste how good these are, you’ll come back to this recipe all year long.

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