Print

The Best Date Squares (Kirstie’s Mom’s Famous Recipe)

Print Recipe

Also known as Matrimonial Bars (just found this out!) date squares are a bit of a sleeper hit.  Growing up they sounded a bit too healthy, but over the years, we’ve really grown to love them, and would take one of Donna’s date squares over a gooey chocolate concoction any day of the week.

If you grew up in Canada, chances are you’ve had a pan of date squares cooling on the counter at some point–at a church bake sale, on a road trip pit stop, or packed lovingly into a lunchbox. For us, the gold standard comes from one woman and one woman only: Donna (also known as Mamma D, Gramma D, and of course, Kirstie’s mom).

These are the date squares that disappear at every gathering. The ones people try once and immediately ask, “Can you send me the recipe?” The ones that freeze beautifully, slice perfectly, and taste like every comforting Canadian memory rolled into one buttery, crumbly bar.

 

If you’re searching for the best date squares recipe, you just found it.

This recipe is for TWO 9×9 inch square baking pans.  Because as Donna says, if you’re going to make them, make them.  They freeze really well.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2-1 tsp salt (we like that extra bit of salt)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 cups PACKED brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 lbs. pitted dates, cut up
  • 2 cups water, or, as needed
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar (second amount)
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. In a large bowl combine oats, flour, salt, baking soda and the two cups of brown sugar.  Mix in (‘snap) the butter in until crumbly.  Roughly divide this mixture into 4: pat one-fourth of the mixture into the bottom of one of the 9×9 pans.  Pat the other one-fourth in the bottom of the other 9×9 pan.  Reserve remaining crumble for the tops of the pans.
  3. For the filling:  place dates, water, and second amount of brown sugar in a medium pot.  Bring up just to a boil and continue to simmer over high heat until thickened, breaking up the dates with a wooden spoon or potato masher until no large pieces of dates remain.  Add more water if necessary.   Stir in lemon juice.  Taste your mixture, make sure it is tart enough.
  4. Let cool slightly then divide evenly amongst the pans.  Top the pans with remaining crumble.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tops are lightly golden brown.
  6.  Cool completely (don’t even think about it, says Donna) before cutting into squares.  Give the rustic edges to your kids, save the nice ones for the bake sale :).

Notes

Substitutions for Date Squares

Yes, here’s some substitutions, but we do always stick with the O.G!

Gluten-Free Date Squares

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Dairy-Free Version

Use a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute –choose one with a higher fat percentage for the best crumble.

Less Sweet Option

Reduce brown sugar in the crumble to 1 1/2 cups.
The filling may also be sweetened only with dates if preferred.

Coconut Twist

Replace 1 cup of oats with 1 cup shredded coconut for a tropical variation.

Orange Date Filling

Swap lemon juice for orange zest + a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.

Storage & Freezing Tips

These date squares freeze beautifully–one of the reasons this recipe intentionally makes two pans.

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days

  • Refrigerate for 1 week

  • Freeze up to 3 months (layer with parchment between each layer)

Thaw at room temperature or enjoy cold from the fridge — they’re delicious either way.

FAQs About Date Squares

Can I make date squares ahead of time?

Yes — in fact, they slice even better the next day.

Can I use quick oats?

Rolled oats give the best texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.

Why add lemon juice?

It balances the sweetness of the dates and brightens the filling.

Can I halve the recipe?

You can, but Donna strongly advises against it.

Do date squares freeze well?

Exceptionally well. Freeze cut or uncut.

Why This Recipe Matters

This isn’t just a pan of date squares.
It’s tradition. It’s travel snacks. It’s bake-sale bragging rights. It’s the smell of home.

And now, it’s yours to pass along — with Donna’s blessing.

Find it online: https://blog.theculinarystudio.ca/recipes/the-best-date-squares/