Matrimonial Cake

I learned about this “Matrimonial Cake” dessert from my co-worker when it was brought as a treat to work last Friday. I am pretty sure I have tried it before but I knew it with a different name; date squares. I don’t know why it is called matrimonial cake but one thing is for sure it is a treat that my family would like, especially my youngest son, who loves pitted dates as a snack. So I decided to make this delightful cake for my family on the weekend. This cake is easy to make, even a person who is just learning how to bake will be able to make it easily. I wasn’t disappointed; this delicious cake is a hit with my family. My youngest son describes it as crunchy on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. Yummy! 

Matrimonial Cake

 

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Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

35 mins

Total time

55 mins

 

Serves: 24 date squares

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups quick oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Date filling

• 2 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, sugar and vanilla extract. Simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and thick. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Add the quick oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter. Press half of the mixture in a greased 9X13 inch pan. Spread date filling evenly over the oat layer. Add the remaining oat mixture and press lightly with hands.
3. Bake at 350°F preheated oven for 25 to 35minutes or until lightly browned. Cooking time may vary depending on the oven, so take a peek at 25 minutes and see how it looks. Cool completely before slicing.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted from: Diana Rattray, About.com

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