Date Square (Matrimonial Cake)

MATRIMONIAL CAKE/DATE SQUARES
Date Squares or known in Western Canada as Matrimonial Cake is a popular date filled rolled oat squares. View Enlarged Image

DATE FILLING
1/2 lb(8 oz) - 2/3 lb.(10 oz)	Pitted dates, chopped	250 - 310 grams
2 tbsp	Brown sugar	25 mL
1/2 - 3/4 cup	Water	125 - 180 mL
1 tbsp	Lemon juice	15 mL
CRUMB MIXTURE
1-1/2 cups	All-purpose flour, sifted	375 mL
1 tsp	Baking soda	5 mL
1/4 tsp	Salt	1 mL
3/4 cup	Butter, softened	175 mL
1 cup	Packed brown sugar	250 mL
1-1/2 cups	Rolled oats	375 mL
Preheat oven to 325°F [160°C] DATE FILLING In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, and cook until soft enough to be mashed with a fork (about 5 minutes). The mixture should be the consistency of jam. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat. Set aside to cool. CRUMB MIXTURE In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Cut in butter, add brown sugar and rolled oats. Mix until crumbly. ASSEMBLE Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 8 inch [2 L] well greased square pan. Bake in oven for 5 minutes. This will set the bottom and make it easier to remove from the pan. Remove pan from oven and cover evenly with cooled date filling. Then cover with remaining crumb mixture and pat until smooth. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a lightly browned.

MATRIMONIAL CAKE/DATE SQUARES