Matrimonial Date Squares

Delightfully nostalgic and irresistibly crumbly, Matrimonial Date Squares are the perfect balance of wholesome oats and sweet, sticky date filling. This classic dessert features layers of buttery oat crumble made with rolled oats, brown sugar, and a hint of baking soda, encasing a luscious, naturally sweet date mixture brightened with a splash of lemon juice. Baked to golden perfection in just 35 minutes, these squares are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether served as a comforting afternoon snack or a simple dessert. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch of homemade goodness that’s packed with fiber, texture, and flavor. Make them ahead for a treat that stays fresh for days—a deliciously nostalgic addition to your baking repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pitted dates
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.75 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 0.75 cup Butter, melted
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted dates and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates break down and form a thick paste, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the lemon juice and set the date filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5

Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to hold together when pressed.

Step 6

Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.

Step 7

Spread the date filling evenly over the base layer.

Step 8

Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date layer, gently pressing it down to adhere.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 11

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the date squares out of the pan and cut them into 12 equal pieces.

Step 12

Serve and enjoy your homemade Matrimonial Date Squares! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1307.2 grams (1307.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4083

Total Fat 154.10g	198%
Saturated Fat 92.50g	463%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 386mg	129%
Sodium 1291mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate 680.40g	247%
Dietary Fiber 48.30g	173%
Total Sugars 465.50g
Protein 43.30g	87%

Vitamin D 87IU	436%
Calcium 566mg	44%
Iron 17mg	93%
Potassium 4243mg	90%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.4%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 63.6%