Date Squares
Go to any bakery or cafe in Canada and you will likely find date squares. Also known as matrimonial cake, this sweet, sticky square has a layer of date filling sandwiched by a buttery brown sugar and oat crumble. Some say the theory behind matrimonial as its namesake has to do with the varying textures in a date square. Likewise, marriage is all about a sweet foundation (the oat layers) and a sweet center (the date layer). You can read about the origins of date squares in this wonderful article by Canadian Food Focus. Whatever the theory behind date squares’ alternative name, every bake sale I remember participating in as a kid involved them. And they always sold out!
What Ingredients do I Need for Date Squares?
To make date squares, you will need:
- Rolled oats (old fashioned or quick cooking)
- Brown sugar
- All purpose flour
- Salt
- Butter
- Dates
- Water
- Vanilla
Can I Use Instant Oatmeal for Date Squares?
While it can work, it is not recommended to use instant or 1 minute oats. Because they are steamed for the longest time or all the oat varieties and they are milled smaller, they will lack the proper texture. Instead they are likely to turn out more cake like rather than the crumbly mouth feel these squares should have. Plus, some instant oatmeal varieties have sugar and other ingredients added which will affect the final recipe. Therefore, it is always best to use either old fashioned or quick cooking (3-5 minute) oats.
How Long Can I Keep Date Squares?
You can keep date squares covered at room temperature for 5-7 days and they will still taste great. For slightly longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
I really hope you’ll give these date squares a try soon! You will love the combination of buttery, crumbly oats and sticky date filling. They’re very satisfying because they are filling–and you could almost eat them for breakfast! They taste fantastic warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream. Yet they travel well if you want a grab and go snack. If you do try them out, please rate the recipe and let us know in the comments how they turned out for you!
Try These Other Canadian Classics Desserts!
- Confetti Squares
- Classic Butter Tarts
- Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes
- Homemade Maple Pancake Syrup
Date Squares
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- 8 inch square pan
- Pastry blender optional
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
DATE FILLING
- 2½ cups pitted dates
- 1½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
OAT CRUMBLE
- 1¾ cups large flake or quick cooking oats
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉/180℃. Grease an 8 inch square baking pan or dish and line with parchment paper.
FOR THE DATE FILLING
- In a saucepan combine the dates, water and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the dates to cook into a smooth paste, stirring constantly, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool completely.
FOR THE OAT CRUMBLE
- In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, all purpose flour, brown sugar and salt. Mix together well.
- Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press slightly more than half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pack it down firmly. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over this base, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over top. Press down lightly to even surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are very lightly golden and the top feels firm. Cool completely before cutting into squares.