Matrimonial Squares
Matrimonial Squares are rich, chewy bars featuring a delightful combination of oats, brown sugar, and tender dates. Perfect as a sweet treat or teatime snack, they offer a satisfying crunch with a luscious date filling that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure dry ingredients into a large bowl and cut in the butter or margarine until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Cook the dates with sugar and water until thickened.
- Spread the date mixture over the pressed crumbs in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumb mixture. If you don't have dates, dried figs or prunes can be a delicious substitute. Ensure your butter or margarine is cold for a flaky texture. To enhance sweetness, you can increase the brown sugar slightly, or drizzle some Bakers Frosting on top after baking for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, try serving with a slice of Soft Gingerbread for a comforting dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Matrimonial Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Matrimonial Squares contains roughly 1297 calories, with 24g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2114mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Matrimonial Squares vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using a flaxseed meal or chia seed gel as a binder instead of butter. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
How can I make the date mixture sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter date filling, feel free to increase the amount of sugar when cooking the dates. Additionally, adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor. Keep in mind that the brown sugar in the crumb mixture also contributes sweetness.
Can I freeze Matrimonial Squares?
Absolutely! You can freeze Matrimonial Squares for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).