Matrimonials
Get ready to fall in love with Matrimonials, a classic dessert bar that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome oats and luscious date filling. With a buttery crumble base and topping, this recipe combines rolled oats, brown sugar, and just a hint of vanilla for a heartwarming treat that's irresistibly nostalgic. The homemade date filling, simmered to a sweet, rich paste, adds a burst of caramel-like flavor that's elevated with a touch of optional chopped walnuts for added crunch. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these bars are baked to golden perfection and make 16 delightful servings suitable for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a midday snack, Matrimonials are a timeless choice your family and friends will adore. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.75 cup butter
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 0.75 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dates break down and form a thick paste, about 8-10 minutes.
Once the date mixture is thick, stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts, if using, then remove the saucepan from heat. Set the date filling aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.
Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to create an even base layer.
Spread the date filling evenly over the base layer, ensuring it reaches the edges of the pan.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the date filling, gently pressing it down to adhere without compressing it too much.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges look set.
Remove from the oven and allow the matrimonials to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into 16 squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
292 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.9 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 136 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.3 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 34 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 226 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
