Easy Newfoundland Date Squares

What Are Newfoundland Date Squares?

Newfoundland Date Squares—sometimes called matrimonial bars—are a layered dessert made from rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter, with a filling of dates simmered into a soft, jam-like consistency. What sets the Newfoundland version apart is its thickness and richness. These aren’t delicate tea-time treats—they’re bold, satisfying squares meant for sharing and savoring.

They’re perfect served with coffee or tea, tucked into lunch boxes, or offered up at holiday gatherings and bake sales. Some folks even prefer them cold or frozen straight from the freezer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples, with the filling made entirely from dates and the crumble bringing together oats, coconut, and butter for that classic texture.

For the Date Filling:

• 18 oz dates, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1½ tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups boiling water

For the Crumble:

• 2 cups large rolled oats (avoid quick oats)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1½ cups cold butter, cut into small cubes

The coconut adds a subtle chewiness and flavor twist to the traditional oat mixture. If you’re not a fan, it can be omitted without impacting the structure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting and cleanup.

2. Make the Date Filling
In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens into a spreadable filling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the CrumbleBase and Topping
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, shredded coconut, flour, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the dry mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Squares
Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the date filling evenly on top. Then, break up the remaining crumble mixture with your hands and sprinkle it over the filling, pressing lightly to secure.

5. Bake
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp. Allow the pan to cool completely before slicing into squares. This step is essential—cutting too soon will cause the filling to ooze and crumble.

Storage Tips

Newfoundland Date Squares are just as good (if not better) the next day. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly or layer between parchment in a sealed container. They’re great served chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

You can personalize your date squares by trying a few creative touches:

• Add orange zest to the date filling for a citrus twist
• Mix chopped walnuts orpecansinto the crumble for added crunch
• Replace half the dates with dried apricots for a lighter, tangier flavor
• Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa for a hint of chocolate richness

Whether you stick to tradition or experiment with flavors, these bars are endlessly adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick and satisfying: No thin layers here. These are bold, bakery-style bars.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just wholesome pantry staples.
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser across all ages.
• Freezer-ready: Make ahead and enjoy whenever cravings hit.

Final

Newfoundland Date Squares represent everything comforting and familiar about Canadian baking. They’re simple, hearty, and filled with the kind of flavor that never goes out of style. Whether you’re reviving a childhood memory or trying them for the first time, these squares will earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Make a batch today and see why generations of Newfoundlanders swear by this treat.

Thick-Cut Newfoundland Date Squares

Old-fashioned oat and date crumble bars, just like Nan used to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Cooling: 1 hour1 hour hr

Total Time2 hours hrs

Servings:24 squares

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Date Filling:

• 4 cups 18 oz chopped dates
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1½ tbsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble Base & Topping:

• 2 cups large rolled oats
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1½ cups cold butter cubed

Method

 

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Date Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, boiling water, butter, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Crumble Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, coconut, and baking powder. Add in the cold butter cubes and rub them into the mixture using your hands or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Squares

1. Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread the date filling evenly over the base. Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the top and press it down lightly.

Bake

1. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown. Let cool fully in the pan before slicing into squares.