Gluten Free Date Square

Matrimonial bars (also called date squares) are a classic square often found at weddings, funerals, baby showers, church gatherings, and family get-togethers. 

I (Sue) decided to make a pan of them for my in-laws 47th wedding anniversary but, as my in-laws are presently going gluten free, I decided to see how a gluten free version of this classic bar would turn out. 

Thanks to the many gluten free flour mixes now available it was no more difficult to whip this up than the original. From start to finish in under an hour. 

Gluten Free Date Square

Ingredients

Crust

3 cups Old Fashioned Oats

2 1/2 cups Gluten free flour blend (Such as Robin Hood)

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups butter, chilled

Filling

1 lb dates (pitted & chopped)

1 1/3 cup water

3/4 cup sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray, set aside.

In a mixing bowl, mix together oats, gluten free flour, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined. Cut in butter using 2 butter knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 

Firmly press 1/2 of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and set aside.

Prepare filling - In a large saucepan stir together dates, water, and sugar. 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium/low, and simmer 5 - 10 minutes, stirring often - until dates have softened and mixture is thickened.

Pour the date mixture over the oat layer in the pan. Spread evenly.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the date layer and lightly press down. 

Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes, until topping is golden brown.

Remove from heat and let cool to room temp. Cut and serve. (Store leftovers covered, in fridge)

The in-laws really enjoyed these. They were skeptical that I used gluten free flour. They taste almost exactly like the original (gluten included) squares. 

By the way, some oats can contain gluten as well - just make sure you read the package carefully if gluten is a concern for you.