Newfoundland Date Squares Recipe

Newfoundland Date Squares are the stuff of cozy kitchen magic: a thick, sweet date filling sandwiched between layers of buttery crumb, each bite bringing hints of coconut, brown sugar, and pure nostalgia. Beloved on the East Coast and cherished across Canada, these squares strike the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy and come together with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or just to perk up your afternoon coffee, you’ll fall hard for this classic treat’s comforting warmth and irresistible aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Newfoundland Date Squares lies in their simple, honest ingredients, each one doing its part to give these squares their legendary flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every component matters for mastering this vintage Canadian favorite.

• Dates: Choose pitted dates for ease; these provide the sweet, sticky, and rich base for our irresistible filling.
• Salted Butter: Adds depth and a much-needed savory note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a bit is needed to add shine and structure to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses subtle warmth and rounds out the fruitiness of the dates.
• Boiling Water: Softens the dates, transforming them into a luscious, spreadable filling.
• Rolled Oats: Essential for that classic crumb texture; old-fashioned oats bring just the right chew.
• Baking Powder: Provides gentle lift and makes the crumb topping feel light and satisfying.
• Unsweetened Dried Coconut: Lends tropical sweetness and a delightful chewiness that sets these squares apart.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to both the base and crumb topping, holding everything together in delicious unity.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture for the ultimate buttery crumb layer.
• Butter (for crumb): Don’t skimp—this is what turns the crumbly bits golden and irresistible!

How to Make Newfoundland Date Squares

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure you leave extra overhang for easy lifting later. Trust me, this will keep cleanup a breeze and ensures your Newfoundland Date Squares come out in tidy squares every time.

Step 2: Cook the Date Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates, butter, sugar, vanilla, and boiling water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep stirring every few minutes for about 20 minutes, watching closely during the last five. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick and spreadable, like a soft jam. Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you tackle the crumb topping.

Step 3: Mix the Crumb Topping and Base

In a large bowl, add the rolled oats, baking powder, coconut, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Using your hands, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until everything resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. This old-school technique gives Newfoundland Date Squares their signature rustic feel and toasted flavor.

Step 4: Press in the Bottom Layer

Take half of your crumbly mixture and firmly press it into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to create a solid, compact base. Don’t rush this step—pressing well ensures the base won’t fall apart when you slice.

Step 5: Spread the Date Filling

Spoon your cooled date mixture over the base. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it right to the edges, making sure every bite will have a thick, gooey core of that homemade date jam.

Step 6: Add the Remaining Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the date layer. Don’t pack it down; just a gentle press will help it adhere and create that signature crumbly topping Newfoundland Date Squares are famous for.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and fragrant. Once out of the oven, let the squares cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing—a tough wait, but absolutely worth it for perfect squares.

How to Serve Newfoundland Date Squares

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, dust your Newfoundland Date Squares with a light shower of powdered sugar or a few toasted coconut flakes. A drizzle of melted chocolate can also give them a decadent spin for dessert platters.

Side Dishes

Serve these buttery squares with a piping-hot cup of tea, rich coffee, or an ice-cold glass of milk. Their sweetness is also lovely alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your squares into tiny bites for a charming addition to a holiday cookie tray, or stack them in parchment-lined tins to give as a heartfelt homemade gift. Newfoundland Date Squares shine at picnics, potlucks, and afternoon teas—just wrap and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store Newfoundland Date Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place layers of parchment paper between the squares to keep them from sticking. They stay moist and delicious long after baking!

Freezing

These squares freeze beautifully: just wrap each square or the whole slab tightly in plastic or foil, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Let them thaw on the counter when cravings strike.

Reheating

While Newfoundland Date Squares are superb at room temp, you can gently warm them in a 300-degree oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crumb or revive that straight-from-the-oven aroma. Microwave individual slices for just a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

Can I use Medjool dates instead of regular pitted dates?

Absolutely! Medjool dates are plumper and sweeter, which will make your filling extra luscious. Just keep an eye on the simmer, as their higher moisture content might mean slightly less boiling water is needed.

Is it possible to make Newfoundland Date Squares gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will remain satisfyingly oat-y and crumbly.

Can I omit the coconut in the crumb topping?

If coconut isn’t your thing, feel free to skip it—just add a bit more oats to make up the difference. The squares will still be beautifully buttery and rich, just with a slightly less chewy bite.

How do I know the filling is thick enough?

Your date filling should look glossy, thick, and hold a soft shape when you run a spoon through it. If it’s still runny after 20 minutes, keep simmering for a few extra minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

Are Newfoundland Date Squares kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids usually love the sweet, jammy center and buttery crumb. Plus, since they travel well, Newfoundland Date Squares are perfect for packed lunches, bake sales, and after-school snacks.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Newfoundland Date Squares, it’s truly time to treat yourself. These classic bars capture everything wonderful about old-fashioned baking: simple ingredients, big comfort, and the kind of flavor that sparks instant nostalgia. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake along, and discover why these Canadian treasures have been beloved for generations!

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