Newfoundland Date Squares are a traditional Newfoundland treat! Slightly sweet, with a crumb topping, and a soft, chewy center, they are just perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of hot tea! These are a regular treat on the island; no special occasion is needed!
Date Squares and Newfoundland go hand in hand. That’s why these Newfoundland Date Squares are one of my favourite crumb-type squares. I have to tell you though, my memories of Date Squares are all wrong!
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IS MY MEMORY DECEIVING ME?
Have you ever had those moments when you are sure you remember something accurately and vividly, but then it turns out that you were wrong all the while? My memory played a vicious trick on me with dates.
My mom is not well and I thought it would be nice to bake some treats for her. We were going to go visit, and I never want to go empty-handed. One of the things I made was a Date Walnut Loaf. I was speaking with her on the phone and I told her about the loaf. I told her that I was bringing it to her. She asked me not to do so, because – get this! – she can’t stand the taste of dates!!!
My childhood memories of my mom making Date Squares are not real! I swear, Dear Reader, I can remember the Date Squares she used to make. I’m sure she ate them too. Guess I was wrong! Now I’m left wondering where the hell I the date squares came from when I was a kid. I know I ate a lot of them!
EVEN THE NAY-SAYERS LIKE DATE SQUARES
I packaged up a bunch to give to one of our favourite cat sitters, Louise. The rest we’ve been eating ourselves. I even got McKenna to try one after she argued that she didn’t like dates. She loved it! John.e is a fan of Date Squares, so I guess I can say I made them for him.
If you are the type to screw up your nose at dates, I urge you to give these a try. These Date Squares are so moist, with just the right amount of sweetness. I love the fact that the base of the square holds together quite firmly. While the crumb topping is exactly that – crumbly! The filling is quite rich and has a creamy consistency.
A Date Square with a hot coffee is just the type of afternoon treat I look forward to. In fact, I think that’s just what I’ll do right now. Why don’t you come and join me?
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare these Newfoundland Date Squares. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.
- Dates – Typically, my mom would buy a tightly packed brick of dates, but I buy loose dried dates. Be sure to remove and discard the pit!
- Salted Butter – If you don’t have salted butter, add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the filling mixture, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the base/topping crumb mixture.
- Sugar – You will need both granulated sugar and brown sugar for this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract – It really brings out the flavour in the dates.
- Rolled Oats – I like to use quick rolled oats whenever possible.
- Baking Powder – This is used to add volume and to lighten the texture.
- Coconut – I cannot imagine making date squares without coconut. It adds so much flavour and texture too.
- Flour – Just a regular all-purpose flour here.
HOW TO MAKE NEWFOUNDLAND DATE SQUARES:
In a saucepan, add the filling ingredients and bring to a low simmer. Simmer, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes very thick. Watch the mixture carefully as it will burn easily in the last few minutes of cooking time. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add all of the crumb ingredients and use your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture will form a crumbly topping. By this time, the date mixture is cooled, so preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
Press half of the crumb topping into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Press firmly to form a solid base for the date mixture. Pour the date mixture over top and spread it out evenly. Next, evenly distribute the remaining crumb mixture over top, pressing very lightly to push the crumb mixture gently into the date mixture. Bake for 40 minutes. Allow the Date Squares to cool completely before cutting. Easy, right!?
(This post was written prior to my mom’s passing in November. I’m just getting around to posting it now. In her memory, I’m leaving the post as is.)
Do You Like This Recipe?
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Newfoundland Date Squares
Ingredients
Ingredients for the date filling
- 2 1/4 cups pitted dates, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons vanilla
- 2 cups boiling water
Ingredients for the base and crumb topping
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup unsweetened dried coconut
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups butter
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, add the filling ingredients and bring to a low simmer. Simmer, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes very thick. Watch the mixture carefully as it will burn easily in the last few minutes of cooking time. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the crumble ingredients and use your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture for form a crumbly topping.
- Press half of the crumb topping into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Press firmly to form a solid base for the date mixture.
- Pour the date mixture over top and spread it out evenly.
- Next, evenly distribute the remaining crumb mixture over top, pressing very lightly to push the crumb mixture gently into the date mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Allow the Date Squares to cool completely before cutting.
Nutrition
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Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Funny how our memory can play tricks on us! I’ve actually never had a date square but I do have a fairly recent love of dates. I especially enjoy stuffing them with peanut butter and then dipping them in chocolate for a slightly less sinful treat. I gotta try these!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
That sounds great, Erin. Thanks!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
Is this where I admit that I just Googled “newfoundland” because I had ZERO idea where it is? (Shame on me! I’m sorry Canada!!!) Also, I didn’t know there were people in the world who didn’t like dates. I’ve also never heard of date squares, but I’d totally finish these off for you! Let me in your freezer! haha
byronethomas@gmail.com says
And were you not pleasantly surprised when you read about Newfoundland? It’s paradise, I tell you. 🙂 You’re welcome to invade my freezer anytime! 🙂
Diane says
Hey, I know where Newfoundland is! A cosy “warm” place that hosts a compendium of traditions and memories, possibly for all of Canada… And so, when I wanted to find my childhood date square recipe, I Googled it and found you, then I knew that I could trust your recipe to be really close to what I remembered. My mom, who also passed away this last year, well into her 90’s, never used coconut though. I want the date squares that I remember so what if I eliminated the coconut, just this one time? What should I adjust to compensate?
Gail says
Nothing , I use this recipe and have never used the coconut as I do not like it. I love date squares. I change my topping a little , I don’t like a thick top. I only use 1.5 cup of rolled pares and and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to cut down the amount of sugar.
Wendy says
Byron, my heart felt condolences on the passing of your mother. My experience is that besides the obvious pain and mourning, the loss of a parent leaves a huge hole in our own histories. The shared memories, ability to get answers to missing pieces, verification of dates and events…..disappear. Perhaps, your mother filled her date squares with something other than dates? Perhaps, her tastes changed over time? Regardless of possible answers, the fact remains that date squares are a sweet reminder of your childhood. Food is wonderful that way! Personally, I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t love a bar filled with dates and topped with streusel crumbs!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Wendy. I talked to my dad about my conversation with her and he cannot remember if she like dates or not. It’s going to remain a mystery, it seems. 🙂
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
Sorry to hear about your Mom! For some reason dates remind me of my Mom also. I was never a big fan of dates and haven’t had any in ages. But these date squares definitely have my attention and look like something I would love to try!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Did you think your mom’s memory is a little off? She could have liked the bars then and now she doesn’t. Your date squared look delicious and I would love a piece with my afternoon coffee. A nice pick-me-up to look forward to. And I really like dates!! Thanks for sharing.
Angie says
So sorry for your loss. I’ve lost both parents, and it leaves a void without them. The date squares look incredibly delicious! My mom used to make some kind of mini date squares for the holidays, and I loved them.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Angie.
Sharon Rigsby says
I loved the story about your Mom and the dates! It’s funny how we each remember things so differently. I also love Date Bars and will be making these soon!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Sharon.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Byron, I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my mother a year back and that is a void that I feel every minute of my life. Coming to the date squares, I started reading the post thinking I will not be liking this as I am not a big fan of dates. But reading through the recipe and especially the crumb part, I am beginning to change my opinion and I want to give it a try. I will keep you posted on it turns out.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Sandhya.
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
I love crumbly desserts. It’s one of my favorites… You are 100% right. This crumb deliciousness goes perfectly with afternoon tea or coffee. I tried lots of different crumb desserts but never with dates. Pinning this and saving to try. PS I’m so sorry for your lost :/
byronethomas@gmail.com says
You’ll be so happy you did, Natalie. 🙂 And, thank you.
Dene' V. Alexander says
This recipe looks delicious and your photos are beautiful! I definitely would be the one to screw up my nose to date squares; however, I would give yours a try!!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you. 🙂
Dene' V. Alexander says
These date squares look delicious and your photos are beautiful!! I’d definitely be the one to turn up my nose to date squares; however, I would try these!!!!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
What a great story, and nice memories of your mom. These look like a perfect afternoon snack and I will convince myself they are healthy with all the dates in there! 🙂
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Kathryn.
Manila Spoon says
We make date bars in the Philippines during Christmas time and only during this time which I find kind of strange. After seeing your scrumptious date squares, I have decided that making date bars should be a year-round activity! I agree, this must go perfectly well with coffee!!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
My family has many of those traditions about baking a certain item only at Christmastime, but life is too short to have date squares once a year. 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Hubby love date squares. I have a recipe passed down from my mom that is very similar to this, but does not include the coconut. These sound yummy too. You can never go wrong with a recipe like this.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Your hubby has good taste. 🙂
Megan Marlowe says
Lol, isn’t it so funny when we think we know something so well but are so terribly wrong? I will happily take the other half of the date loaf you have stashed in the freezer because I LOVE dates. I also LOVE the crumb topping on these date squares. I simply cannot wait to make these and devour the whole pan!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Ha! Thank you, Megan. I have the recipe for the date loaf on my site too. It was delicious!
swathi says
These date squares different than the normal ones with crunchy crumb topping. I can eat a few in sitting. You changed my opinion about the date bars now.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thanks, Swathi. 🙂
Giselle Rochford says
I haven’t had date squares in AGES but I’m definitely craving them now. They weren’t really something I had as a kid – because my family wasn’t too big on baking – but I ADORE dates so I can’t believe I’ve never made them before. Also, LOL at memories playing tricks on you. For a long time I swore I was allergic to pineapple because I vividly remember getting sick after eating them as a kid. Luckily, my mother disabused me of that notion and I’ve been enjoying pineapple ever since ?
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Giselle. The mind is a strange thing, isn’t it? 🙂
Leah says
I love this tribute to your mother, and I love that you left the post as is. If you ever figure out who you got the date squares from, please let us know! These look so tasty, and I bet they are delicious!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Leah. I thought long and hard about re-writing it, but I decided to leave it the way it was. 🙂
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but this is such a great story to carry the rest of your life. Where DID those childhood date square come from? Unlike your mother, I enjoy dates, so I need to give these date squares a try!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Julie. I’m thinking maybe it was my dad that made them after all. He can bake very well. 🙂
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I used to think I wasn’t a fan of dates. My grandmother used to make date scones (not the kind of scone you are thinking of – the british kind). I thought she was ruining a good thing by adding them. As I got older though, I have come to appreciate them – they add a great sweetness! Ever had a date shake? There’s a town here in AZ called Dateland…. most people stop and grab a shake on their way to California.
The crumble on top of these squares is GORGEOUS. If you have too much stuff – I’ll PM you my address. I accept deliveries 😉
byronethomas@gmail.com says
I think we all stayed away from dates as kids. They are not the most attractive things to look at. 🙂 I’ll be in Florida in a few weeks – meet me there! 🙂
APG says
I LOVE date squares! My Dad used to bring them home from a bakery when I was a kid…those, and date filled shortbread cookies. Oh my mouth is watering at the thought of either! It is rare to find date anything anymore. All I find is fig, which if fine, but cannot even begin to compare to date filled pastries! I cannot wait to give this a try. So happy I stumbled upon it while looking for Valentine treats. I’ll make this treat for myself. After all, it’s important to be good to yourself once in a while…even if it happens to be Valentine’s Day. 😉 Thanks for sharing!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
You’re most welcome, APG! These Date Squares are the absolute best, in my opinion. I’m sure you’ll love them!
Cindy says
Thanks for posting. I grew up in Canada and I loved when my mom made date bars, they were my favorite. She passed away in January and I want to make some of these for my kids to try.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Cindy. So sorry to hear about your mom. I know how you feel; my mom passed away in November.
Cindy says
Sorry to hear about your mom also..
Linda Henderson says
I grew up on Canada’s west coast and my Mom made date bars often but she called them matrimonial bars. The one difference between yours is the addition of coconut, but I’m looking forward to trying them
. Loosing a mother is hard…my thoughts are with you.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Linda. 🙂
Gail says
My Mom used to make date squares and my sister and I kept on with the tradition. We are a large family of date square lovers!
Our recipe does not have coconut in it. I’m wondering if I iliminate the coconut, do I have to add or do anything different with the crumble? I love coconut but so many don’t.
Also, very sorry to hear about your Mom. Mine died in 2007 so I know how painful it can be. 🙁
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Hi Gail… thank you. I’ve never had them without coconut, so I don’t want to say yes and lead you astray.
loretta says
?I’ve dates squares , always hZve them for Christmas… No coconut you wont have to use as much butter . My recipe calls for 1 cup butter .. my condolences o the passing of your dear mom.. ❤️🍩☕🇨🇦
LisaMarie says
My deepest condolences on your mom. I just lost my momma and I haven’t figured out how to cope yet. She would have loved these date bars. We all liked them!!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, LisaMarie. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a coping mechanism. Just keep thinking of the good times and it’ll get easier. 🙂
Melissa says
My condolences for the loss of your mom, reading about it really hit me hard, as i lost my mom when i was 11 years old. Memories are funny things as i have been craving date squares and my first memory of eating them was with my mom after church as a young child. Im looking forward to trying your recipie 😊 also decided to subscribe!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you for those kind words, Melissa. 🙂
Moira Fraser says
So sorry for your loss. Your story is a lovely tribute to your mother. My immediate thought was that she made them for you because you loved them, not because she did. I am the mother of 4 sons, all grown now, so I speak from experience.
My mother (almost 90 now) loves date squares and made them often when my 5 siblings and I were growing up on the east coast of Canada. I have never had them with coconut before, but I have heard them called Matrimonial Squares by friends from western Canada.
Shopping with my mum just this weekend she happened to mention a craving for date squares. I have all the ingredients ready to go and then found your recipe. I’m going to try the addition of coconut and when I share the squares with my mum, I will share your story as well. Thanks for the lovely story and the recipe.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Moria. 🙂
Jennifer Vadocz says
I had these lots in my life but we call them Matrimonial Bars. I love them!!
loretta says
?I’ve dates squares , always hZve them for Christmas… No coconut you wont have to use as much butter . My recipe calls for 1 cup butter .. my condolences o the passing of your dear mom.. ❤️🍩☕🇨🇦
Nadia says
Hi! Is there anyway I can halve this recipe? A 9×13 pan of date bars would be a bad idea for just one person because I would definitely eat it all myself lol.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
I think you can, Nadia. 🙂
Catena Pizzo says
Hi. Can I use the quick rolled oats for this recipe?
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Absolutely!
Gramma Di says
I have already rated these at 5 stars and wish I could give it 10 they are so good. I just was wondering if these freeze well. I prepared everything ahead of time but don’t need them for a few days. Can I store the separate mixtures in fridge or put in freezer uncooked? Any idea? Thanks again
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Gramma Di. I’ve never tried freezing them, so I’m not if it will work. Did you already try it? Did it work?
Gramma Di says
About the Newfoundland date squares…..
I froze before assembling and when it was time to cook, I thawed and warmed the dates and put the crumb mixture on top and cooked as recommended for 40 minutes. Total success. So freezing is perfect.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
That’s great news! I usually make these every Christmas, so this year, I’ll try freezing them and baking them when I need them. Thank you!
Shelley says
Byron do you think it’s possible to replace dates with sweetened prunes?
Thank you,
Fellow Atlantic Canadian (Nova Scotia!)
😊🇨🇦
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Hi Shelley – yes! As long as you are speaking of the dried prunes, not the prunes packed in jars.
Shelley Hill says
They are not dried or in a jar. 😉
Should I cut up or cook them in a sauce pan first?
Thank you kindly
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Yes, cook them down quite a bit. Even then, Shelley, I’m not sure if it will work. The consistency will be off, I’m afraid.
Dorothy MacRae says
I LOVE DATE SQUARES MY WHOLE LIFE BUT NOT A HUGE FAN OF COCONUT, CAN THAT BE LEFT OUT LIKE THE OLD VERSION AND FOR YOUR STEWED BEANS CAN YOU ADD PARSIPS AND TURNIP AND POTATOES TO IT AND IF SO HOW MUCH , CAN YOU PLEASE REPLY TO MY EMAIL IT IS THE ONLY THING I HAVE OR UNDERSTAND GETTING OLD WITH GREAT GRANDCHILDREN THANKYOU AND SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM, I LOST MINE A FEW YEARS AGO , IT WAS JUST HER AND ME GROWING UP AND SHE WAS MY BEST FRIEND, WHEN SHE DIED MY HUSBAND ALSO LEFT ME FOR SOMEONE ELSE, WE ARE STILL FRIENDS THOUGH AND I AM GLAD SHE MAKES HIM HAPPY , SHE MUST BE PRETTY SPECIAL, MY FAMILY DOES NOT TALK TO ME ANYMORE EITHER , JUST ME AND MY DAUGHTER AND ONE GRANDAUGHTER WITH THREE KIDS. GOD BLESS
Connie king never put coconut and yes you can put whatever you li,e in stewed beans says
I have been making tons and tons of date squares for over 40 years. I never put anything in my dates except a little lemon juice . They don’t need anything else just BOIL them with water. Especially sugar they are sweet enough. And mine are yummy
Betty says
Hi can I use regular margarine does it have to be salted butter
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Hi Betty – I have never baked with margarine. My dad uses margarine in place of butter all of the time, so give it a try! 🙂
Constance Dwan says
If it’s a Newfoundland recipe..no doubt it’s going to be good..thanks for sharing ♡
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Ha! You know it! Thanks, Constance!
Pauline Korol says
I have celiac, so I substituted 2 cups of flour for one cup of oat flour and one cup of baking mix. Of course, I added an extra cup of dates. I love date squares and was more than happy to add this recipe to my stash.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Pauline. 🙂
Jennifer says
Thank you for sharing both your recipe & your story–it’s a lovely tribute to your mom that you left your post as is & added the explanation of her passing–I am sorry for your loss Byron. I remember date bars my mother made us as children 50+ years ago (from a box mix that is no longer available). I have tried many recipes over the years in a effort to replicate those date bars, but nothing’s ever come close. Your recipe is perfect (I think it’s the coconut)! Can’t wait to share with my mom (who does still love her dates ;). as well my now grown sons (who suffered through my trials & errors over the years) & my little granddaughter (who loves everything Nana Moogie bakes)!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Jennifer. I think the best foods are those that trigger happy memories; don’t you? 🙂
Jan Painter says
Wondered if the coconut can be omitted due to allergies.
Thanks so much.
Jan
Jane says
Mom made date squares often while I was growing up – not only for Christmas but anytime we had company for Sunday dinners etc. I remember being lucky enough to get to use my fingers on the (cooled down) pot the dates were cooked in. These remind me so much of her! When she passed I searched high and low for the recipe with no luck. I have a feeling she made them so often that she knew the recipe by heart. The only diference between your recipe and hers – that I can remember – is the fact her recipe called for some orange juice in the dates. I just swapped out 1/4 cup of the boiling water for orange juice and grated the zest of the orange in it too. These were great and brought back those childhood memories with the first bite!
Lori says
date squares always remind me of summer. My mother always made these and other squares and loaded them into wax paper lined cookie tins. When I close my eyes I am taken back with the smell of their sweetness when prying open the tin. I made these today, I enjoyed the addition of coconut, that’s new to me. I love a splash of orange in my dates, so part of the water addition I juiced half an orange, I would have used the zest, but this oranges had already been zested for my bombolinis. The orange juice with the pulp and a splash of orange oil adds and wonderful zip. Thanks for the memories
Jeanette says
These are the best date squares I’ve ever made. My husband brought them to work where he serves at a boutique hotel. His co-workers told him to try the date squares that “the chef made.” He told them that I made them, not the pastry chef. She felt very upstaged! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Amy says
I sought-after a good date square recipe after my midwife reccomended eating dates to help induce labor. I was drawn to yours as my husband is from Newfoundland and I just love to make items that help him feel closer to home (we are on Vancouver Island). When I read your story of discussions with your mother about date squares I knew without a doubt that this was the recipe for me. My mother loved date squares so as a teenager I naturally didn’t- its a beautiful thing when time passes and we grow and see ourselves become our mothers. My mother is in a care facility, has had a stroke and cannot speak or enjoy these due to texture but as these bake I feel connected to her. I felt compelled to share with you my story and thank you for facilitating through your story, a special moment for me also.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you so much, Amy, for sharing such a lovely story. First of all, allow me to share my best wishes to your mom. I know what you’re going through! I hope these date squares bring you and your family some joy and comfort. To me, nothing evokes feelings and memories as much as time spent with family and good food!
Bonnie says
I make these today for the first time . They are buy far the best ones I ever make, And I have make quit A few .Thank you so much for posting
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Bonnie. 🙂
Roxana says
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe. I made it according to your method and it is simply divine. I will post the pictures on Instagram, not as good looking as yours cause I didn’t have patience to let ot cool completely 😂
Catherine says
The best I ever tasted! Love the addition of the coconut.
Doreen says
Loved the secret ingredient of coconut in the oats!
Diane Blander says
Thanks Byron, I just made these and could not help myself from digging in for a taste while they were still warm. I felt they were a sure thing if the recipe was from Newfoundland, where I was finally able to visit in 2019. I will be back soon but in the meantime I wish you all a healthy recovery
stay well,
Diane.
Deborah Jepma says
Can you freeze date these date squares? I love them my hubby doesn’t. Just wondering if they freeze well.
Linda says
They freeze very well I make a double batch every now and then cut into squares and freeze to pull out when unexpected company drops by for coffee
Margit Stratton says
I made them for the first time. I just took the cake out the Ofen.
I’m going to take the date squares to a party tomorrow!
I will let you know if my friends liked them.
Gwen says
Hello Byron. Nova Scotia here … I’ve never been to your lovely province but hoping to be in the near future. Just made these this afternoon and they are PERFECT !!! I’m celiac, so used GF oats and flour, but everything else as written. Added a bit more oats because I wanted more of that goodness. I am a baker and these are FOREVER on my list of go-to’s. Cheers to you and the memory of your Mom.
Marybelle says
I don’t know if this is a Saskatchewan thing but we call these Matrimonial Squares! My dad always said it’s because they are put together with dates! 😂
Kelly says
This tastes exactly like my grandmother’s and she made the best! Unfortunately the recipe was lost when she passed. Thank you for bringing back such a great memory.
Frances says
I don’t think my mother on Bell Island used coconut in her date crumble recipe. However, I shall try this version. Thanks.
Shelley says
Great top and bottom, but the taste of vanilla is completely overpowering. Did you really mean 1 1/2 tablespoons? I feel like it’s a typo and should be teaspoons. It’s all we can taste – can’t even taste the dates.
Linda says
My boss at work we cook in a retirement home is from Newfoundland and she puts mandarin oranges in hers so delicious, drains them and adds the juice to the cooking liquid, and zest from an orange, perhaps your Mom would like these
byronethomas@gmail.com says
I’ve never heard of that before, Linda. But, it sounds delicious!
Kris Cvitak says
Loved these
Bonita Bren says
this is the only 9×13 ” size recipe I found. LOVE IT
Dorothy TJ says
Mum was always strapped for cash, she would use Sultanas in place of dates. My childhood friends stull comment how much they liked her ‘Matrimonial’ cake. XO
Sue says
They are in the oven right now and the aroma is so enticing! My grandparents raised their family during the depression and apparently dates were reasonably priced and they didn’t have access to fresh fruit year round like we do now so I have lots a baked goods recipes, passed down from my grandmother, made with dates. To this day (and I’m 73) there has not been a year since I was 21 that I have not made date pinwheel cookies at Christmas because my grandmother always did and my mom after her. Traditions and memories, the flavor of life,
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you for sharing such a precious memory, Sue! I’d love to get my hands on those date recipes. I love dates!
Eileen says
These date bars sound delicious ❣️ The only problem for me is, I’m not a big fan of coconut. Is there a replacement I could use, or maybe can I just leave that out.
Thank you
Eileen
Ann Robson says
Hi from NZ! I have a very similar recipe but including thinly sliced raw apple on top of the date mixture. Delicious! Men particularly seem to enjoy this!
JoJo says
Thank you! Delicious date square recipe, the coconut is yummy and I used vegan butter and you would never know it!
Annette Bussiere says
It is my favorite go to recipe.
Betty Lemon says
To make again I would keep same amount of dates but cut the crumbly part by 1/3 and bake in a 9 inch pan.
My family love date squares and date pie. The date pie is made with dates, orange zest and water and orange juice and topped with whipped cream. A sugar overload.
When I make it – I don’t eat it – my husband, children and the rest of family tell me I have not used enough dates.
Thanks the recipe – I will see which recipe my family like.
Trina says
I have read this a few times and as a mother, I wonder…. Did you ask your mom about your memory of date squares? I also do not like them, but my husband and my dad love them, so I make them. When my kids were growing up I made them pancakes, often and they have fond memories of eating them, I also don’t like pancakes, but I made them. maybe she did make them? I’m just curious to know 🙂 Also, thanks for the great recipe, it is well loved at our house too, just not by me!
Patricia Hickey says
I am french family from Canada. i love date squares and so did my dad. Actually there wasn’t a sweet he didn’t love. my mother did not bake. We would get them at a local bakery. i am making and giving to neighbors along with other treats this. year. Really missing my dad so it’s in his honor. i made 4 batches
Colleen says
My mother loved date squares ( as do I). When she was dying, she requested to have them at the reception after her funeral. We did. She’s been gone for over 5 years now, but I think of her whenever I make them. This recipe has the perfect amount of dates and sweetness. Thank you for sharing your story and recipe.
Aqilah says
This recipe looks fantastic! Does anyone have the ingredient measurements in metric? I rarely use volumetric measurements when baking since I got a kitchen scale and get much better results!
Brenda says
Never tried with coconut,going to today, do you use quick oats
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Yes, quick oats.
Tracey Burns says
I just happened to stumble upon your recipe and it’s soooo similar to my Aunt’s Date Oatmeal Bars that have been a family favorite for every Christmas since I can remember.
I just made them yesterday and popped them in the freezer today.
One thing I do differently is to simmer down the dates in orange juice.
My recipe also doesn’t call for baking powder. I may try that next time.
I wish I could include a copy of my cookie. I absolutely love them!