Matrimonial Cake (Date Bars)

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Servings: 12 Difficulty: Advanced
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Classic oatmeal date bars with a chewy filling and crumbly topping
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Matrimonial Cake (Date Bars)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12 Calories: 1283.0

Description

These Matrimonial Cake bars, also known as Date Bars, are a nostalgic dessert featuring a thick, sweet date filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oatmeal crumb. The combination of tender rolled oats, brown sugar, and rich dates creates a moist, comforting treat that is perfect for afternoon tea or family gatherings. Easy to make with pantry staples, these bars offer a satisfying texture and deep, caramel-like flavor without being overly sweet. They are a wonderful vegetarian-friendly dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400&# 194;°F (200ðC). Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 cups water.
  3. Bring the date mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove date filling from heat and let it cool slightly until warm but not scalding.
  5. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  8. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  9. Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  10. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust layer.
  11. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date filling.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  13. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1283.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 43.7g68%
Saturated Fat 24.2g121%
Cholesterol 96.8mg33%
Sodium 5207.9mg217%
Total Carbohydrate 198.0g66%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g50%
Sugars 59.2g
Protein 26.1g53%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Tip: Use Medjool dates for a softer texture and richer flavor, or remove pits from dried dates before chopping.

Variation: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the oat mixture for extra crunch.

Safety: Be careful when handling the hot date filling; ensure it has cooled enough to handle safely before spreading.

Keywords: date bars, oatmeal bars, matrimonial cake, date filling, crumb topping, rolled oats, brown sugar, buttermilk, dessert bars, vegetarian dessert, easy baking, classic dessert, chewy bars, fruit filling, homemade bars, comfort food, tea time, potluck dessert, simple recipe, date squares
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