Newfoundland Date Squares, also known as “Matrimonial Cake,” are a classic treat that combines a rich, sweet date filling with a crumbly, buttery oat crust. These squares are a staple in many Newfoundland homes, enjoyed for their delicious blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or sharing with friends and family, date squares bring a taste of tradition and comfort to any occasion.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make traditional Newfoundland Date Squares from scratch. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible even for novice bakers. You’ll start by preparing a sweet date filling with chopped dates, water, and a touch of sugar. This mixture is cooked until it becomes thick and spreadable, creating the perfect center for the squares. Next, you’ll make the oat crust and topping by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. This mixture is pressed into a baking dish, layered with the date filling, and topped with more of the oat mixture. After baking to a golden brown, the result is a deliciously satisfying treat that’s both chewy and crunchy.
Experience the delightful taste of homemade Newfoundland Date Squares and share this traditional treat with your loved ones. These squares are sure to become a favorite, bringing a touch of Newfoundland’s rich culinary heritage to your kitchen.
Date Squares Recipe:
Filling
1 pack dates
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 cup water
dash lemon juice
Place in a covered saucepan. Cook over medium heat until soft. Stir often.
Base:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
dash salt
3/4 to 1 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups rolled oats
In a large bowl combine flour, soda and salt. Cut in margarine. Add remaining ingredients. Toss well together. Place one half crumb mixture in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch dish. Cover with filling. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling. Pat down gently. Bake in a pre-heated 325F oven for approximately 35-40 minutes. When cool cut into squares.
Date Crumbles (Recipe #2)
Filling
2 cups dates
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup hot water
Combine and cook until dates are very soft. Set aside to cool.
Base:
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
Sift flour, soda and salt into a large bowl. Stir in rolled oats and sugar. Rub in the butter until a coarse crumb is formed. Press half of this mixture into a greased 8-inch x 12-inch pan. Cover with date filling, then add remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 375@ F. for 25 minutes. Cut into squares while hot.
