Raspberry Matrimonial Squares
These Raspberry Matrimonial Squares, also known as Matrimonial Cake are a twist on the classic recipe using red raspberry jam instead of dates. I have fond memories of my mother and I making these healthy raspberry oat bars when I was a child, and now I have taken over the tradition of making them.
I have tested making the old fashioned raspberry squares with other types of jams, which are delicious too, but I personally prefer the red raspberry jam that my family has been using in this recipe for generations. See the substitutes section below for other yummy variations.
When using a food processor to make the crumb base and topping, don’t over process. It only takes about a minute or less to create the crumble like consistency and keep the oats from turning into a flour. The oats should still be visible.
Store in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature an hour before serving. This is an excellent healthy raspberry dessert for entertaining because it can be made a day or two ahead. Enjoy!
Recipe Snapshot
EASE: Easy and quick to make.
PROS: It’s delicious and has oats which are healthy.
CONS: Absolutely none.
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? Absolutely.
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature one hour before serving.
I prefer to use 100% whole grain quick oats.
For best results, the butter should be cold. Cold butter will give the base and topping a nice crumb like texture.
Substitutes
- Red Raspberry Jam: strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, apple, and peach jams can be substituted for the red raspberry jam. Did you try a different jam? Share with us in the comments below.
- Oatmeal: rolled oats can be substituted for the quick oats in these raspberry oat bars.
- Lactose-Free: this recipe can be made lactose free by substituting the butter for lactose free butter. As long as the butter is made from lactose free cream (milk).
Raspberry Squares Preparation Tips
Tip 1
- Put the slices of cold butter on top of the mixed dry ingredients in the food processor.
- With a spoon spread a bit of the dry ingredients over the butter, so that the butter will not stick while processing.
- Place half of the crumble mixture into the greased baking dish, and spread it evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Press the crumble mixture into a firm layer with the palm of your hand (see photo in Tip 3).
Tip 2
- Use a spoon to drop dots of raspberry jam all over the bottom oat crumble layer. This will make it easier to spread.
- With a knife, carefully spread the jam dots together to make a single layer of jam.
- Try to make an even layer of jam.
Tip 3
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture evening on top of all of the raspberry jam.
- To get the crumble mixture even, I use a soup spoon or my hand to spread it over the jam.
- Gently press the crumble mixture down with the palm of your hands, to make a firm topping.
DID YOU KNOW: You can adjust the serving size and automatically recalculate the ingredient quantities, by hovering or clicking on the underlined number at the bottom of this recipe e.g. servings: 1, and drag the slider to the desired quantity.
This recipe includes a kitchen timer. Click on the underlined time in the recipe to start the timer.
Handy Tip: Prepare Ahead!
To save time, cut the butter into 1/4 inch slices or small cubes before starting to prepare this recipe. Preheat the oven so it is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the raspberry oatmeal squares.
Raspberry Matrimonial Squares
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Pastry blender
- 1 Baking Pan 6" x 9"
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Mixing Spoon
- 1 Set of Measuring spoons
- 1 Set of Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup flour all purpose
- 1 cup brown sugar golden yellow
- 1 ¼ cup quick oats or rolled oats
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter cold, and cut into pieces
- ¾ cup red raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 °F
- Mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Add cold butter and process until mixture resembles a crumb like consistency, about a minute or less. If not using a food processor, cut butter into dry ingredients with either a pastry blender or two knives, until a crumble like consistency.
- Place half of the mixture into a shallow, lightly greased 6" x 9" baking pan. Press into a firm layer. Cover with jam and top with remaining crumb mixture. Press firmly.
- Bake in a 325 °F oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
- When cool, cut into squares or bars. Makes about 18 small squares. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature one hour before serving.
Notes
calculated by an online nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
