Description
These nostalgic Matrimonial Cake Squares—also known as Date Crumble Bars—are a traditional Scottish and Northern Irish traybake layered with sticky-sweet date filling and a golden oat crumble. Perfect for teatime, lunchboxes, or make-ahead treats, they’re easy to bake and full of old-fashioned charm.
Ingredients
For the Date Filling:
-
300g chopped dates
-
150ml water
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oat Crumble:
-
150g plain flour
-
150g rolled oats
-
100g light brown sugar
-
175g unsalted butter, melted
-
Pinch of salt
-
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan). Line a 20cm square tin with parchment.
-
Simmer dates, water, and lemon juice for 5–7 mins until soft. Stir in vanilla. Cool slightly.
-
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, salt, and bicarbonate.
-
Pour in melted butter, stir until crumbly.
-
Press half into the base of the tin.
-
Spread date filling evenly.
-
Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top, press lightly.
-
Bake for 25–30 mins until golden. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
-
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
-
Use Medjool dates for a richer filling.
-
Freeze in layers with parchment for easy storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes