There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a Canadian Date Square—the crumbly oat layers, the sticky-sweet date filling, and that perfect balance of chewiness and crispness. Whether you grew up with these bars at family gatherings or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe is a beloved slice of Canadian baking tradition.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
The history behind Date Squares (hint: they’re also called Matrimonial Bars!)
Why this recipe works—hint: it’s all about texture and balance.
Step-by-step instructions for foolproof, bakery-worthy results.
Expert tips for storage, substitutions, and serving ideas.
Ready to bake a batch? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Are Canadian Date Squares?
If you’ve never tried a Date Square Canadian, you’re in for a treat. These classic dessert bars consist of:
- A buttery oat and flour crust (both bottom and top layers)
- A luscious date filling, simmered until jam-like
- A golden-baked finish that’s crisp on top and tender underneath
A Slice of Canadian History
Dating back to early 20th-century Canada, Date Squares became popular when dates were imported as an affordable sweetener. They earned the nickname “Matrimonial Bars” because their two layers were said to symbolize marriage—sweet yet sturdy!
Today, they remain a staple in Canadian bakeries, church cookbooks, and holiday dessert trays.
Why You’ll Love This Date Squares Canadian Recipe
This isn’t just any old recipe—it’s a perfectly balanced version that delivers:
Rich, buttery flavor (thanks to melted butter and brown sugar).
Chewy-meets-crunchy texture (rolled oats are key!).
Natural sweetness (dates reduce the need for excess sugar).
Easy customization—add nuts, cinnamon, or even dark chocolate.
Best of all, these squares stay fresh for days, making them ideal for gifting or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Date Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pitted dates | 1 ½ cups | Sweet, sticky, and fiber-rich |
| Water | ¾ cup | Softens dates into a jam |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens the sweetness |
For the Oat Crust & Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role in the Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 1 ½ cups | Adds hearty texture |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Binds the crumble |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Deep caramel notes |
| Melted butter | ¾ cup | Creates richness |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Lifts the crust slightly |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances flavors |
Ingredient Notes:
- Dates: Medjool dates work best (softer & sweeter).
- Butter: Salted or unsalted both work.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Date Squares
1. Cook the Date Filling
- In a saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and lemon juice.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often.
- Once thickened, mash into a paste and let cool slightly.
Pro Tip: If the mixture gets too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water.
2. Make the Oat Crust Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add ½ tsp cinnamon or ¼ tsp nutmeg.
3. Layer & Bake
- Press half the oat mix into a greased 8×8″ pan (use the back of a spoon).
- Spread date filling evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top, pressing lightly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before slicing—this prevents crumbling!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve Date Squares Canadian
With coffee or tea – A classic pairing.
À la mode – Warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream.
As edible gifts – Wrap in parchment paper for a rustic touch.
Storing for Freshness
Room temperature – 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer-friendly – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Presentation Ideas
Here are 15 creative presentation ideas for showcasing your Canadian Date Squares recipe, with unique formats to engage different audiences:
- “The Great Canadian Bake-Off” Live Demo
- Set up as a cooking show with 3 contestants
- Each prepares a different variation (classic, gluten-free, modern twist)
- Audience judges the results
- “Date Squares Through the Decades” Timeline
- 1920s: Original recipe
- 1950s: Post-war simplified version
- 1980s: Health-conscious adaptations
- Today: Modern gourmet versions
- “The Science of Sweet” Lab Presentation
- Food science breakdown of why the recipe works
- Compare different sugars’ effects
- Demonstrate gluten development with microscope images
- “Around the World in 80 Bites” Comparison
- Canadian Date Squares vs.
- British Flapjacks
- Middle Eastern Ma’amoul
- American Fig Newtons
- “Baking Under Pressure” Challenge
- Presenter attempts recipe with:
- Limited time
- Missing ingredients
- “Helpful” audience interruptions
FAQs About Date Squares Canadian
Can I use date paste instead of whole dates?
Yes, but reduce added water to avoid a soggy filling.
Why did my oat topping fall apart?
Solution: Pack the layers firmly before baking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap flour for gluten-free oat flour.
Are Date Squares vegan-friendly?
With tweaks: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
Read also about the Easy Pouding Chômeur
To buy dates through this link !
There’s a reason Canadian Date Squares have stood the test of time—they’re simple, satisfying, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a bite of buttery, date-filled goodness.
Date Squares: A Classic Canadian Dessert
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the filling: In a saucepan, combine dates, water, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 mins until thick, then mash into a paste. Let cool.
- Prep the crust: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer it up: Press half the oat mixture into a greased 8×8″ pan. Spread date filling evenly, then top with remaining oat mix.
- Bake & cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 mins until golden. Cool completely before slicing into squares!