If you’ve ever visited Newfoundland or grown up in an East Coast kitchen, you already know the magic of Newfoundland Date Squares. These traditional dessert bars, sometimes called Matrimonial Cake, feature a chewy-sweet date filling sandwiched between two buttery oat crumb layers. They’re simple to prepare, require only basic pantry staples, and always deliver that perfect mix of nostalgic flavor and homestyle comfort.
In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step date squares recipe, helpful baking tips, storage instructions, and tasty variations so you can make this Canadian classic perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Beginner-friendly: simple steps, no fancy equipment needed
- ✅ Pantry staples: oats, flour, butter, and dates are all you need
- ✅ Versatile: delicious as a snack, dessert, or lunchbox treat
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: make a batch and enjoy them anytime
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best date squares at home:
For the crumb layers (base + topping):
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the date filling:
- 2 cups (about 300–350 g) pitted chopped dates
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of dates)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Equipment: 8×8 inch square pan, parchment paper, mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can lift the squares out later.
2. Make the oat crumb mixture
In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and rub with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized butter bits. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Press the base
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
4. Cook the date filling
In a saucepan, combine chopped dates and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the dates soften and form a thick paste. Mash with a fork for texture, then stir in sugar (if needed), vanilla, and lemon juice.
5. Assemble the squares
Spread the date filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top and press lightly.
6. Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
7. Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts, chill for 30 minutes in the fridge, then lift out and slice into 12 squares.
Tips for Perfect Newfoundland Date Squares
- Use fresh dates: Softer dates make a smoother filling. If yours are dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t skip the parchment: It makes removing and slicing much easier.
- Firm base = cleaner bars: Press the bottom crust down firmly with the back of a spoon or measuring cup.
- Sweetness check: Taste the date filling before adding sugar — some dates are naturally very sweet.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan version: Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb mixture.
How to Store & Freeze Date Squares
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps for up to 1 week — the bars get firmer when chilled.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap squares individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why Newfoundland Date Squares Are So Loved
These oat-and-date bars have deep roots in Atlantic Canadian kitchens. They’re often baked around the holidays, served at church suppers, or packed into lunch boxes. Their simplicity, nostalgia, and rich flavor are what make them a true Newfoundland tradition that continues to win over new generations of bakers.
Whether you call them Newfoundland Date Squares or Matrimonial Cake, these humble bars are a must-try for anyone who loves classic, old-fashioned desserts. With their chewy date center and buttery oat crumb, they’re proof that the simplest recipes often bring the most comfort.