Matrimonial Date Squares: A Golden Oldie Worth Cherishing

The aroma of dates simmering on the stove instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember standing on a wobbly stool, mesmerized as she stirred the dark, fragrant mixture, her hands worn but steady. She would let me sneak a taste, the sticky sweetness coating my tongue. Those date squares, always present at family gatherings, felt like edible hugs, a testament to her unwavering love and warmth. They were a simple dessert, yet they held a profound place in our family’s heart, a symbol of connection and shared moments.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 16-20
• Yield: One 9×13 inch pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made vegan by using vegan margarine)

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup cold water
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (can use bottled lemon juice)

For the Crumb Mix:

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 1/4 cups oatmeal (rolled oats, not instant)

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Date Filling: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the cold water and dates. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about two minutes, or until the dates are nicely softened. This allows the dates to break down and create a luscious, jam-like consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Sweeten the Filling: Add the brown sugar to the pot with the softened dates. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This typically takes another minute or two.

3. Add Citrus Zest: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the orange juice and lemon juice. The acidity of the citrus will brighten the flavor of the date filling and add a touch of tanginess. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crumb crust. Letting it cool prevents the hot filling from melting the crumb base.

4. Make the Crumb Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in a tender crumb.

5. Incorporate the Fat: Add the brown sugar to the dry ingredients. Cut in the softened margarine using your fingertips or a pastry blender. Work the margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to create small pockets of fat that will melt during baking, resulting in a flaky texture.

6. Add the Oats: Stir in the oatmeal until evenly combined. The oatmeal adds texture and a nutty flavor to the crumb topping. Make sure the oatmeal is well-distributed throughout the mixture.

7. Assemble the Squares: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a firm, compact base.

8. Add the Filling: Pour the cooled date filling over the crumb base, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

9. Top with Crumbles: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the date filling. Gently press the topping to adhere slightly to the filling.

10. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the squares towards the end of the baking time.

11. Cool and Cut: Remove the baked date squares from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set and prevents the squares from falling apart.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Date Prep: For easier chopping, lightly grease your knife blade with cooking spray. This will prevent the dates from sticking to the knife.
• Margarine Temperature: Make sure your margarine is softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, the crumb mixture will be greasy. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate into the flour.
• Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the squares for the last minute or two of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Vegan Option: To make these squares vegan, use a vegan margarine substitute.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these matrimonial date squares at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Leftover date squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	355.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	86 g	24%
Total Fat	9.6 g	14%
Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	238.1 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	66.5 g	22%
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g	15%
Sugars	41.6 g	166%
Protein	4.2 g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Citrus Infusion: Use different citrus juices such as grapefruit or tangerine for a unique flavor profile.
• Sweetener Swap: Experiment with other sweeteners, such as maple syrup or honey, in place of brown sugar.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are they called Matrimonial Date Squares?
A: The name likely comes from the idea of bringing together two different elements – the crumbly topping and the sweet date filling – in perfect harmony, much like a successful marriage.

Q: Can I use instant oatmeal instead of rolled oats?
A: While rolled oats are preferred for their texture, you can use instant oatmeal in a pinch. However, the texture of the crumb topping may be slightly different.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! These squares are perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the crumb topping from being too dry?
A: Ensure you use softened margarine and that you don’t overmix the crumb mixture. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dry topping.

Q: My filling is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice to the filling and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Matrimonial Date Squares are a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome desserts. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual coffee dates to festive gatherings. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the warmth and sweetness with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, savor each bite and enjoy the journey of creating something delicious and memorable. Let me know how they turn out!