Grandmother's Matrimonial Squares

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates have softened and broken down into a thick, jam-like consistency, about 8-10 minutes. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 1 mins Remove the date mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. (1 minute)

Recipe View 2 mins Spread the date mixture evenly over the pressed oat mixture in the baking pan. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date layer and gently press down to adhere. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 30 mins Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the edges are set, about 25-30 minutes. (30 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars. (60 minutes)