Date Bars

This Date Bars recipe combines cozy spices, hearty oats, and a gooey date filling for an easy sweet treat.

If you’ve never made date bars, you’re in for a treat—literally.

A sticky-sweet date filling is sandwiched between a buttery, crumbly oat base and topping, creating the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy.

They’re lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, which add a warm, cozy note that makes them feel like a hug in dessert form.

What I love most about date bars is their versatility. They’re great as a grab-and-go snack, a dessert after dinner, or even a companion to your afternoon coffee.

Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. If you’re new to baking, this is one of those recipes where you can’t go wrong.

I also love that it's a great way to use up dates that have gone a little hard or past their best - you'll be boiling them anyway so they'll still be perfect in the date filling.

The taste is rich and satisfying with the natural caramel-like flavor of dates. The buttery oat crumble brings a nutty earthiness that keeps things balanced.

Looking for more tasty bars and squares? Be sure to try Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Mango Coconut Bars, or Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats!

Jump to:

• Matrimonial Cake
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Date Bars
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• More Dessert Recipes
• Recipe Tips
• Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Matrimonial Cake

These simple squares are one of those recipes that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations for a reason. They're a popular Canadian treat called Matrimonial Cake!

Matrimonial Cake, also known as date squares, is a traditional Canadian dessert made with a sweet, sticky date filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. The name "Matrimonial Cake" is said to have originated in the Prairie provinces of Canada, where the dessert was a popular treat at weddings and family gatherings.

It’s a nostalgic dish for many Canadians, often served during holidays or as part of a Sunday dessert spread. Over the years, it has evolved to include variations like adding coconut, nuts, or different spices to suit individual tastes.

It’s still widely enjoyed across Canada and has gained fans elsewhere for its comforting, homemade charm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already.
• Quick to Make: Prep time is minimal, and the bake time is short.
• Versatile: Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste.
• Naturally Sweetened: Dates add natural sweetness and are packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Pitted Dates: The star of the show, dates create the gooey filling. Medjool dates are ideal, but other varieties work too.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but avoid instant oats.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble. Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if needed.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Light brown sugar works best, but dark brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give the bars a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crumble achieve a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: Holds the crumble together and adds richness. You can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil if needed.
• Water: Helps soften the dates and creates a spreadable filling.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Date Bars

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 8-inch square baking pan with butter, or line it with baking parchment paper.

Add the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.

Add the butter and stir or use your fingers to mix it in, until it’s crumbly.

Press ⅔ of the flour mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.

Bake the base for 7 minutes or until it just begins to turn golden.

Meanwhile, add the chopped dates and water to a saucepan over a medium heat. Let it boil for 6-8 minutes or until thick.

Spread the filling over the base, then sprinkle the top with the remaining crumble mixture.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden.

Allow the date bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions

Variations

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Mix shredded coconut into the oat base for a tropical twist.
• Swap dates for dried figs or prunes.
• Add orange zest to the filling for a citrusy flavor.
• Mix in ground ginger or cardamom for a spiced variation.

More Dessert Recipes

Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing.
• Don’t overbake the base—it should just start to turn golden.
• Let the filling cool slightly before spreading it over the base.
• Press the crumble topping lightly to ensure it adheres to the filling.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for neat squares.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice

• Storage: Keep date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the base and filling ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake when ready.

Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

📖 Recipe