Matrimonial Squares

Baked Squares Recipes | 1 comment

This is an old time favorite square recipe, my Mom and my Grandma used to make this all the time. I don’t know why it is called matrimonial cake – there must be a good story though. It can also (more descriptively) be called Date Squares.

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Matrimonial Squares

Joan Donogh
Oatmeal crumble base and topping with a rich date filling in between.
Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

Base:

  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter

Date Filling:

  • 1/2 pound dates pitted
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Base:

  • In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  • Spread 3/4 of the crumbs in a 9 x 13 inch cake pan.

Date Filling:

  • Mix dates, water and sugar together in a saucepan. Cook until thick, stirring frequently.
  • Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
  • Allow to cool before using.
  • Spread over the crumbs in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumbs over top of the filling.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F. for 20 minutes.

 

1 Comment

  1. Pat

    It’s called “matrimonial cake” because on the Canadian prairies, this was most commonly brought to bridal showers

    Reply

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