Date Squares (Classic Verson) - Joyofbaking.com

[@raqueleherrera7176]

When I was new with baking, I often watched her video and still continue to bake Mrs. Stephanie's wonderful recipes. She is almost a perfectionist, always gives instructions and ingredients in full detail. I noticed myself becoming more like her (lol) being picky, always clean with her work, making sure you understood what she was saying, and the end result always comes out perfect and very yummy. I have checked many other pastry chefs but I keep coming back to her recipes even though I'm on gluten-free diet. Fortunately I'm able to tweak the recipes by using GF flour, baking powder, baking soda. I think she is one of the best! Many thanks to you and your husband, who does the filming, editing, etc.

[@celestemanipatedinchrist4935]

I honestly don't believe anybody else can beat the way you detail a recipe, love watching your videos, this recipes a keeper.

[@ianos88]

Dates are quite expensive where i live, so i used this recipe with raisins instead, and it turned out beautifully. Thanks Stephanie!

[@LennonPhotography]

When I was a little boy in Canada - on the few occasions we went to the city and stopped by a bakery - my Mother would buy something called Matrimonial Bars or Matrimonial Cake. This was something I always wanted as an adult, as I remember the joy they brought when eating them. I never knew they were also called Date Bars. I don't know why they were called Matrimonial but never the less - I'm glad I discovered their common name so I can have them whenever I want to remember the simple days of my childhood. I thank you for putting up this video!

[@baileygregg6567]

American who has fallen head first in love with dates and Joy's baking tips and recipies.

[@morgothlotr1573]

It was called that in small-town B.C. too.

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

I know them as matrimonial squares but using jam not dates. I love this recipe tho in the video - making it right now once again!

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

In the time it took for me to make the date filling and cool it - the recipe was removed from the video. One on the blog is different - leaves it the lemon juice in the date filling.

[@kbee1735]

You’re right! I am Canadian and we always did and do now call them Matrimonial Cake! Soooo delicious!!

[@mariannerobson933]

Thank you for your detailed consistent recipes. I've made date squares for years however I used dried dates (either in a package or bulk, sit and snip them in bits and cook them with orange juice and zest. Therefore I don't need to puree them as they come out very smooth and easy to spread. I have also used mincemeat filling at Christmas time.

[@jaylenepeterson-nyren7331]

Made these yesterday and we all Love them! My Grandma always made bars of various types and making these reminded me of her. Thank you!

[@shariewilson9858]

My mom made these often and yes she called they matrimonial bars too . I loved them . Thanks for sharing this recipe Stephanie. Will give these a try and bring back some wonderful memories!! Have a Blessed day!

[@Mita_2023]

Are you a professional pastry chef? Every single recipe is to die for. And instructions are so detailed unlike any other videos.

[@TIMAFEY2]

Too darn long!

[@geminil2415]

I greatly appreciate the gram weights.Most American recipes don't bother,which is why I don't make them.

[@berthaz2583]

Gemini l : there are other videos from people who only gives the grams weight, so I just google the conversation to pounds, oz, cups. That easy.

[@barbaraguy6116]

She really makes baking so clear and easy to follow.

[@katpui99]

Mmm! Looks amazing!! I think I’m going to make this with dates and another batch with figs and walnuts! Thank you Stephanie!

[@laytonsage1285]

Stephanie your recipes always look so yummy. These reminds me of my moms date squares at Christmas time. I am making these for my family this weekend. You are so talented and your videos are so easy to follow. Thank you

[@enialessej]

Thank you for this video! I made these dairy free by using coconut oil instead of butter - turned out great. I think they are called matrimonial bars because dating is considered inappropriate by some.

[@wallisar]

My mom makes these just with strawberry preserves in the middle - it has always been my favorite 'cookie' during the holidays!

[@dovilerazutyte4258]

this is just perfect!!! I tryed last night and taste was AMAZING!! I just add some dryed coconut and taste was beautiful:)

[@CM-ho5ic]

I've made these countless times since discovering the recipe, it reminds me of my childhood during the holidays. Every time I make 'em I think about my late mother. Love your recipes & videos. Btw, 4 months later we are still enjoying your fruitcake :-)

[@terribethreed8464]

Thank you for this recipe. We use to go to the bakery in Twain Hart. CA when I was a kid (65 now) & always got their Date Nut Bars they were really good m. I'm going to make these for my grandkids.

[@magdeleneng3747]

Thank you very much for the recipe. I always wanted to learn how to make this date squares and finally I made it. It is my husband's favourite dessert. Never have buy them again. It turn out perfect and yummy. Thank you once again. I love your blog and gave tried some others too.

[@crivensro]

Another wonderful recipe so well explained! Thank you Stephanie!

[@margaretbatten3930]

I loved them, thanks for sharing you expertise. You are easy to understand and the bars turned out great.

[@olliemcgowan6546]

I found adding 1/2 cup of organic apple juice in with the dates & water makes for a better tasting filling, without extra liquid in my opinion it's too thick & gummy. My mom used to make oatmeal/minemeat bars but the filling was always too spicy, this is a great recipe. I am a fan of Ms Jaworski, love her video's. :-)

[@yemiserach8283]

So dangerously delicious! Had to freeze about half of it or we would have finished it all in no time. I used vanilla and the zest of one orange to flavor the date filling and omitted the cinnamon. Thank you!

[@TheKentuckylady717]

I just watched this one too, but like the other one better, where you let them cool and then cut into them and cute a piece and tried it.....this is what good cooks usually do....., I just watched one the other day and this lady cut them as soon as she baked them, but I think they do better when you cool them in fridge like you did....when I make them I will let them cool longer, so they don't fall apart.....and I like where you make the entire recipe and not just start with the pie dough, etc..... love that you are redoing your videos....and in your newer ones, you are more friendly and love all the tips you always tell us....I have learned a lot by watching you....and of all the videos I watch, I would eat anything you make....you have the cleanest looking kitchen of all.....and I think you were made for this job.....so what did you make Rick for Father's day ? Sure you must have baked him something special....hey Rick, show us what Stephanie made you for Father's Day..... Have a good ones guys..... I will sure enjoy these when I can get to the store.....

[@jadajohnson3957]

Thank you for explaining that the date filling needs to be pureed. I have two recipes for this & they both omit this very important step.

[@drsanashoaib9485]

Hi! Have made this recipe several times now and my family loves it! Making it for iftar to day again

[@0letdown0]

This is an excellent recipe. Great work on the video.

[@kimdee5668]

This was such a treat at a very young age,now I still love it.

[@guillerminabentil-owusu737]

Thank you very much for the lovely recipe. Greetings from Accra, Ghana, West Africa

[@Bella-nc3cb]

Super recipe! So clear instructions and not complicated and more important, sooooo delicious!!!!Thanks so much for sharing .

[@peggydavis4964]

Mama made these regularly! We adored them. Lasted maybe one day, we did throughly love the tasted delicious & we ate them from the oven just allowed them to become warm & ever so yummy. Called them date bars. These & Raisin Biscuits, fruits were our desserts- I don’t think Date Bars, or Raisin Biscuits are loaded with calories & know fruits are are necessary part of human diet. We never had an over weight or problem (NEED DOABLE. RECIPE FOR RAISIN BISCUITS)-like SUNSHINE MADE MANY YEARS AGO

[@antoinetteborg4357]

Thank you again for all the recipes Stephanie. I made this and they are really good.

[@charlottegoddard8320]

i follow your way of baking it 's from all your heart god bless you joy for your good work

[@MarkHolman]

Such a great easy recipe, I remember they had these for sale at my favorite shop in E. Lansing MI The Small Planet bakery and restaurant, The smell was like "divine" hit you as you walked in! I bet it would be yummy to add a bit of cardamon powder to the crust mixture!

[@joyofbaking]

Yes, you would need to double all the ingredients since this recipe makes about 20 squares.

[@aveo533]

Thanks for such an easy way of showing the recipe. I will be trying it soon.

[@Joanna-qv6cz]

It appears to be a western Canadian thing to refer to date squares as matrimonial cake. Some feel it is called matrimonial cake because of the two separate layers brought together by dates which symbolizes two people courting and solidifying the relationship in marriage. Others feel that the smooth and rough textures of the date squares represent the easy and difficult times of a marriage. Some believe that it was individually wrapped, handed out at weddings, and then single gals would place it under their pillow and dream about their future husband.

[@markb7170]

Joanna U they are known as date crumbles in the east and date squares in Ontario. Plus they are in Quebec too. It’s unknown the exact origin but are definitely Canadian.

[@austrian481]

I love your recipes so much! I made these squares for my family and friends and everyone loved them! I didn't find any dates so I used dried plums instead of dates...it was heavenly! I really appreciate your videos and everything I made was a hit :)

[@okonspruce]

Great video - thanks so much. Looks easy to do - best to get started right away!

[@JulietRobin]

I know i'll be too greedy to wait for them to cool. Thanks for sharing. I will adjust the recipe as I won't add any sugar as the dates are sweet. I don't heat any kind of oil or butter. I'm excited to experiment with it. Thanks again.

[@linnetmbotto7212]

Thank you for taking your time to teach us how to bake

[@madhavimandloi5217]

This is a fantastic recipe. I tried it today and the family can't stop eating it.

[@lyndaswiftie7501]

you can tell ingrdien with auther lan guages like frensh please

[@rejanerbelanger1134]

Thank you, good explanation, I will try your recipe!

[@johnshirbini5801]

Thank you. I am a fan of this date squares. Always buy them from the coffee shop but now I can make them

[@joyofbaking]

We love your comments however due to our busy schedule questions on the recipes may take some time. We check our Facebook page more often so if you would like a quicker answer post your question there. A link to our Facebook page is in the description above.

[@noraparra8029]

Thank you for the recipe, I made them, and my family love them.

[@Thesparklefashion]

Thank you so much for showing this in this world!!!gonna try!

[@nazmiyanazeemdeen1805]

Hi, Thanks a lot for the very clear demonstration..i tried this yesterday n it was soo yummy...small clarification..i could cut it easily n it was difficult to separate the pieces from tge tray..any reason for this?thanks again n have a gud day

[@elizabethshaw734]

I blew out the Motors of two food processors and a blender and I have been making these for 35 years. I used whole dates and will not use again. I also like to add about half a cup of finely chopped walnuts to the filling.

[@tobygolding1893]

to the filling or oats? i would ad to topping but filling should be creamy

[@claudetteleblanc5273]

Thank you for this recipe! Can't wait to make this. 😊

[@bettyhigginson7355]

You can purchase the thick wrapped bars of pitted dates as well.

[@RealThisisA]

Very nice recipe. Thank you for sharing.

[@1duivin]

what if you use fresh dried dates? they are a lot softer and moister, would I use less water?

[@brusselsprout5851]

These turned out great. I did add walnuts to the dough, so it has turned out a little bit crumbly. I think I’ll live. 😋

[@roshodgkins5417]

Hi, I’ve just come across your channel and I’m really looking forward to trying some of your lovely bars/ squares. Can you tell me the difference between granola bars and out meal bars as they seem very similar ingredients. Salon which would you recommend as I’m wanting to keep my weight level at the moment. T IA Rosalind Hodgkins

[@sonyprachu9117]

Hi ,i made this yesterday..came out good but crust was not enough moist ...it was little dry...why it's like that ..can you reply me please

[@lilladevihargoon9078]

I just watched your video appreciate your date square's recipe. I make jam filling since date's is quite pricy.

[@XLiYu]

Hello, can I use fresh dates instead of dried?

[@jennythomasmathew]

Thank you so much Joy! Loved the recipe, but using salted butter made the end result a tad salty. Will try unsalted butter next time. Also added the zest of 1 lime to the dates and they were too imperceptible. May add juice of half a lime as well next time. (I never seem to have vanilla on hand when I'm baking!)

[@zinebanis]

What a yummy recipe thanks steph

[@nadiapanahi7429]

I spread some crushed walnuts on top of the date paste then added the rest of the dough. They turned out 😋

[@beatriceboansi2314]

I like the recipe you make it simple enough amateur baker like me. Can I though leave out the flour.

[@مغربيةحرة-ه9ص]

niiice recipe...definitely i will test it very soon..thx for sharing

[@fatimaadbib7552]

Mooi zo

[@brusselsprout5851]

Okay so it is 3 hours later and I’m asking myself why in the world I would think of making this recipe with any other fruit, as if it would be better. To be honest I have NEVER made anything using dates. In fact it is shocking I even had them in the cupboard, okay? But I picked some up last week because...?....I don’t know. But there they were and now they are these date squares that I do not want to stop eating. They are beyond delicious. Today I picked up cranberries to use this recipe for. It’s not going to happen. I cannot ever make this with anything but dates. Yes, I’m gushing. Absolutely, I’m gushing.

[@daviddack1595]

Great, I have looking for good Ideas, Thank you

[@sophiarevel6952]

A great recipe! 👍

[@love2kanta]

it's the same concept as jam bars. i can't wait to try these

[@mistyscar3380]

Hi stephanie..if I wana make around 40 date squares should I double the amount of ingredients?

[@johnshirbini5801]

Wow, This video was posted long time ago. Hope you are good

[@halamankarious8831]

Hi Stephanie I made this recipe twice and everyone loved it. I need to make it again but must substitute butter. Can I use margarine? Thank you

[@joyofbaking]

I've never tried this recipe using margarine, but it should work.

[@bilalibnadamful]

could I use coconut oil instead of butter n if so is it same amount of grams thanks

[@shario7894]

My grandmother called these princess slices and was served with cold whip when hot.

[@joyofbaking]

Shari O That sounds wonderful.

[@Heraclitean]

Very good instructions. Thanks.

[@selvaranielizabeth3699]

Wow wonderful. God bless you.

[@rajaadaoud186]

Thank you so much .. Amazing video and chef..Lovely recipe😍💗💗

[@samoketis]

very nice and usefull recipe, thanks

[@MrDracula0000]

anything with date is good

[@Skooterbird]

Hi Stephanie These look fantastic. My daughter has asked me to bake some for this years holidays. It was your recipe picked on all the ones off youtube. My one question is as I did not seem to hear you say it, but what temp did you set the oven at? Many thanks and I am off to check out your other videos....Pat in Canada

[@joyofbaking]

The oven temperature is 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

[@Skooterbird]

Thank you so much. I have just subscribed to your channel as your videos are amazing..and look oh so good....lol Have a great evening...pat

[@1043dawn]

Maybe it’s a Canadian name as we always called it Matrimonial cake. Can only find that name in old Canadian cookbooks. However, they are called, they are soooo good. 😊

[@joyofbaking]

Yes that is another name for these squares.

[@trishabritish2022]

Hi Stephanie. I used my hands / pastry cutter for the crust. Yours seems a bit more crumbly while mine tends to come together. Is that ok? After cooking,. The bottom layer isn't as crumbly as the top. Thanks

[@joyofbaking]

It sounds okay. The top layer will be more crumbly.

[@trishabritish2022]

@@joyofbaking thank you. Love all your recipes

[@lenorbradley8549]

Do you think you can make a fig bars?

[@natilajeranitas3747]

could I use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose ?

[@ChristianLove7]

Thank you so much! I was asked to make this as a dessert for a church luncheon and was scared to death until I saw your video 👍🏽

[@lindaschubert5459]

Matrimonial bars: First comes the dates, then comes the marriage.

[@susantucker1478]

I made this today was excellent thank you👌

[@kinjalpatel9260]

Can you use oil instead of butter

[@memow9436]

How do I make the top not crack while cutting it

[@brawyn777]

Love the recipe,can you use instant oatmeal?

[@joyofbaking]

I wouldn’t recommend using instant.

[@TOMGINGERALER]

I put almond extract in mine, makes a wonderful flavor

[@tonymontana3742]

I luv date squares

[@chichi6796]

Yes, that's what Canadians call date bars---matrimonial cake. Canadian matrimonial cake and butter tarts---mmmmmm.

[@fernandaspino9793]

I don't own a food processor...can I use a blender?

[@carolsun2717]

+Fern Spino Definitely not!

[@haydeilizardo7996]

can i make baking powder instead of baking soda

[@jessedwin450]

Can we use fresh yellow dates for this recipe?

[@joyofbaking]

I’ve never tried that, so I’m not sure how that would work.

[@artuino9404]

I'm afraid butter paper is not available in my neighbourhood .is there something else i can do?

[@joyofbaking]

You can just butter the pan.

[@vickikondylas555]

THANK YOU

[@susiebergen1334]

Yum I'm getting hungry.😋i need to go bake me some.💞AB🇨🇦

[@vanmathibhaskar9503]

New and healthy bars

[@PudgyFye]

Thank you, we have plenty of dates at home, going super slow.... I think w this it'll go super fast...

[@sonaklaritame]

i want ti make them but can i flavor the dates puree with spices such as clove nutmeg ginger and cinnamon

[@joyofbaking]

Yes, you could do that.

[@sonaklaritame]

thanks a lots

[@Liza14715]

Can we use white instead of brown sugar?

[@joyofbaking]

I’ve never tried that but it should work.

[@misskai8158]

What is the temperature of the oven that you used to bake?

[@joyofbaking]

The oven temperature is 350 F (180 C). Here is the link to the written recipe. www.joyofbaking.com/DateSquares.html