Date Squares (Matrimonial Cake)
In short: Layers of tender oat crumble around a soft, lightly tart date filling, baked until golden and cut into squares. A Prairie bake-sale favorite. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Date squares, sometimes called matrimonial cake, are a classic of Canadian home baking, found on bake-sale tables and holiday cookie plates across the country. A buttery oat crumble is pressed into a pan, topped with a jammy filling of simmered dates and lemon, then covered with more crumble. They are easy to make, keep well and slice neatly once cooled. A pinch of salt and a little lemon keep the filling from being too sweet.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 20 cm (8 in) square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- Simmer the dates, water, lemon juice and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, mashing with a spoon, until thick and jammy. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the date filling evenly over the base.
- Scatter the remaining crumble over the top and press it down lightly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden. Cool completely in the pan on a rack, at least 1 hour, before lifting out and cutting into 16 squares.
Tips
- Cool the squares completely before cutting, since warm bars crumble. Chilling them for 30 minutes gives cleaner edges.
- Prunes or dried figs can replace the dates, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in the crumble adds warmth.
Questions and answers
Why are date squares called matrimonial cake?
It is a traditional Canadian name, used most in the Prairies and Maritimes, and nobody agrees on its origin. Date squares and matrimonial cake are the same bar.
Can I use other fruit in the filling?
Yes. Dried figs, prunes or apricots work, or use a thick raspberry or blueberry jam under the same crumble.
How long do date squares keep?
They keep for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or 3 months in the freezer.
How long does it take to make Date Squares (Matrimonial Cake)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Date Squares (Matrimonial Cake)?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
