Michael’s Favourite Date Squares

View Instructions

Makes:

one 8-inch (20 cm) square pan
25 squares

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

40 minutes, plus chilling

Introduction

About this Recipe

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Category:

Squares & Bars

Recipe from Set for the Holidays
Appetite for Random House, 2018

I remember making a batch of date squares years ago, and while I was assembling the layers Michael came into the kitchen and exclaimed, “Matrimonial chews! My mom made these.” I understand now that what I call a date square, Western Canadians call a matrimonial cake or chew. Whatever their name, these are indeed chewy and oat-laden. This version avoids refined sugar, so I see it as a fantastic festive treat with a hint of virtue. Only a little maple syrup adds to the natural sweetness of the dates.

NOTES: You can store these baked squares (sliced or unsliced) for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Or freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month and then thaw them on the counter. Once thawed, they will be softer than when they were originally baked.

Ingredients

Filling

2 cups (300 g) coarsely chopped pitted dates
½ cup (125 mL) water
¼ cup (60 mL) pure maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Oat Crumble

2½ cups (250 g) regular rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup (150 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¾ cup (175 g) unsalted butter
⅓ cup (80 mL) pure maple syrup

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.

Step 2

For the filling, place the dates, water, maple syrup and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes and then remove from the heat to cool while you prepare the crumble.

Step 3

For the crumble, stir the oats, flour, baking powder and cinnamon by hand in a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter and maple syrup until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 4

Spoon two-thirds of the crumble into the prepared pan and press in. Spoon the date filling (it’s okay if it’s still warm) over the crumble base and spread to level it. Cover with the remaining crumble mixture and press down.