Description
Canadian Date Squares, also called Matrimonial Squares, are a classic Canadian dessert featuring a sweet, chewy date filling sandwiched between a buttery oat crumble. Perfect with coffee or tea, these nostalgic bars are comforting, wholesome, and not overly sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thick and smooth. Stir in lemon juice if using, then let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the date filling evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Rolled oats give the best chewy texture, but quick oats can be used for a softer bar.
- Lemon juice adds brightness, but is optional.
- Let bars cool completely for clean slices.
- They taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
