The Date Square (a.k.a. Matrimonial Bar) is beloved by many despite the plethora of names it’s known by, and perfect with a cup of tea. This recipe comes straight out of my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook, with a few updated alterations.
Learn more about the history of Date Squares in this article: Delicious Squared: History of Date Squares.
Date Squares
The Date Square (a.k.a. Matrimonial Bar) is beloved by many despite the plethora of names it's known by, and perfect with a cup of tea.
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Servings: 20
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 3/4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- To make the date filing: Combine the dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, around 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and let cool. Set aside.
- Combine rolled oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a food processor. Pulse 3 times (careful not to overmix, you don’t want the mixture to be powdery, just combined). Add butter and pulse again until the mixture is crumbly in pea-sized clumps. Transfer to a mixing bowl to thoroughly mix in the butter.
- Spread half of the oat mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing down to make a flat, equal bottom later. Add the date mixture over the crust and then spread evenly. Layer with the remaining oat mixture and press down to flatten the top layer.
- Bake in the centre of the oven until the top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Date Squares keep well, covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, and frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Date Squares
Serving Size
1 square
Amount per Serving
Calories
174
% Daily Value*
Fat
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Cholesterol
6
mg
2
%
Sodium
62
mg
3
%
Potassium
178
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
36
g
12
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
24
g
27
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Classic Canadian Dishes: Nanaimo Bars