Rum date squares
- Preparation 1 h
- Cooking 40 min
- Servings 8 to 10
- Freezing Absolutely
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Rum Date Squares – the classic that hits you right in the soul 😈
If you’re hunting for a date squares recipe that doesn’t just taste good but absolutely owns the room, you just found it. These rum-kissed date squares take the comforting nostalgia of old-school desserts and push them straight into “hide the pan so nobody else gets one” territory. This isn’t just another recipe for date squares… it’s the one you bookmark, remake, and brag about every holiday season.
A buttery base that melts under your fork, a warm, gooey date filling with that tiny rebellious splash of rum, and a golden crumble that snaps just right—this is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes for a second. The dates warm up, the rum does its little festive wink, and suddenly you understand why date squares recipes have survived for generations.
But listen closely:🔥 WATCH THE BROILER. I burned my first two batches. Not a cute little brown spot—no. A full-on massive flame rising from the top like my oven opened a portal. Attention issues? Present. Drama? Also present.
When you finally nail it, though? Magic. Pure, warm, sticky-fingered magic. These date squares comfort you, seduce you, cling to your soul a little… and make you wonder why you ever bothered making any other dessert. Mix, press, broil (carefully), cool, devour. Dangerously simple. Dangerously addictive.
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✅ Make the filling perfectly smooth
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Cook the dates just long enough to soften without turning them into paste.
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Let the mixture cool completely before assembling so it doesn’t melt the crust.
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Add an extra splash of rum if you want a stronger festive aroma.
✅ Build the ideal crumble
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Whisk the flour and brown sugar first to keep the mixture lump-free.
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Beat the butter just enough to get a crumbly, sandy texture, not a dough.
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Press the crust lightly—too firm and you’ll end up with bricks.
✅ Master the broil (seriously)
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Broil for 1 to 2 minutes max.
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Stay right in front of the oven.
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If your attention wanders… so will the flames.
✅ Storage
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Keeps up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container.
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Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
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Warm 10 seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, gooey center.
Date filling
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1 cup cold water
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon dark rum
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2 1/2 cups chopped dates
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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Crust & topping
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 3/4 cups quick oats
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1 pinch salt
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1 cup soft butter
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Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the water, brown sugar, and rum. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the dates and cornstarch, then mix well. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the dates begin to break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the flour and brown sugar and whisk to break up any lumps. Add the oats, baking soda, and salt, and mix well. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter for 15 to 30 seconds until creamy. While mixing, add the flour mixture and beat another 30 seconds until you have a crumbly mixture. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
- In a greased 8 x 10-inch baking pan, press a little more than half of the crumble mixture into the bottom, packing it lightly with a spatula.
- Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top and press lightly again.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Turn the oven to broil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. (Do not walk away!) - Let cool completely — about 3 hours — before cutting into squares.
They keep for up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Absolutely. Freeze them well wrapped, then thaw at room temperature. They stay tender and delicious, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Their exact origin is unclear, but date squares appear in early 20th-century American and Canadian cookbooks. They are often linked to the classic Canadian matrimonial bars, a beloved prairie dessert made with oats and dates.
If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can replace the rum with apple juice, orange juice, or a splash of vanilla extract. Apple juice gives a gentle sweetness, orange juice adds brightness, and vanilla brings warmth without altering the texture of the filling. All three work beautifully in date squares.
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