Matrimonial Cake

I couldn’t seem to find any reason why this is called Matrimonial Cake but it seems that outside Western Canada this sweet snack is called Date Squares. If you have any interesting stories as to why this is called Matrimonial Cake, I’d be really glad to hear them! But for now I’ll share my Grandma’s Recipe with you and then I’ll go grab one to have with a fresh cup of coffee for my afternoon break 🙂

For the crumb topping and bottom you will need:
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter (room temp)
1 cup brown sugar

Cream these together.

In a smaller bowl combine the following:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups oatmeal

Combine second mixture to the first until crumbly.

Cook to paste 1 pound of cut up dates, 1 cup of boiling water on LOW heat (this will burn easily), cool slightly and add 1 teaspoon almond extract.

Spread 1/2 the dry mixture in a 9X13 pan and press firmly. Spread the date mixture on top. Cover with remaining crumb mixture and press lightly.
Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes.

This has always been a popular cake when I was growing up. The family was always excited to hear this had been made. Fond memories for sure 🙂

Have a blessed day,

Ang