Dreamy Date Slices Recipe: Sweet Treats for Any Occasion

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delectable date slices that transport me to childhood kitchens.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe sparked a love for wholesome, simple desserts.

Nutty textures and caramel-like sweetness make these treats irresistible to everyone who tries them.

Baking becomes an intimate dance of ingredients, blending nostalgia with culinary creativity.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and connection, promising warmth in every bite.

Rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare, these date slices invite you to create something truly special.

You’ll want to savor every crumb and share the joy with those closest to you.

Questions People Ask About Mary Berry Date Slices

• Are dates healthy in this recipe?

Dates are nutrient-rich, packed with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide natural sweetness and boost nutritional value of these slices.

• Can I replace nuts if I have allergies?

Yes, you can substitute almonds and walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or use additional flour to maintain recipe consistency.

• What makes the date mixture unique?

Pouring boiling water over dates helps soften them, creating a rich, moist texture and releasing deeper flavor profiles in the baked slices.

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe requires basic mixing techniques, simple ingredients, and straightforward baking steps, making it perfect for novice bakers.

Top Reasons To Make Mary Berry Date Slices

• Bake with Nutty Delight: Packed with almonds and walnuts, these date slices offer a rich, crunchy texture that transforms an ordinary treat into a gourmet experience.
• Craft a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home bakers who want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Celebrate Versatile Dessert: Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these date slices work beautifully as a sweet snack or elegant dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap nuts, adjust spices, or experiment with the lemon glaze to make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing creative bakers to put their personal spin on a classic treat.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Date Slices

• Dates: Sweet, sticky fruit that forms the base of the recipe and provides natural sweetness.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the date slices.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and provides structure.

• Almonds, Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the slices.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the overall sweetness and provides a cozy aroma.

• Sugar: Sweetener that balances the flavors and contributes to the dessert's texture.
• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and provides a tender crumb to the slices.
• Boiling Water: Softens the dates and helps create a smooth mixture.

• Lemon Sugar Slush: Zesty glaze that adds a tangy finish to the sweet date slices.

How To Make Mary Berry Date Slices

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray

Set your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-forced). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Date Mixture

• Pitted dates
• Softened butter
• Boiling water

Allow the mixture to cool and soften, creating a rich, moist base for your slices.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sweetener

Vigorously whisk eggs with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gently fold this into the cooled date mixture, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Chopped almonds
• Crushed walnuts
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of nuts and spices throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. Check for doneness by observing a golden-brown color and inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Remove from the oven and let the date slices cool completely on a wire rack. This helps set the texture and makes cutting easier.

Step 7: Create Zesty Lemon Glaze

Prepare a tangy glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled date slices. Sprinkle additional crushed walnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the baked treat into neat squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet dates, nutty crunch, and citrusy glaze.

Tips To Get Mary Berry Date Slices Right

• Prevent Dry Texture: Add an extra tablespoon of butter to keep date slices moist and soft during baking.
• Boost Nutty Flavor: Toast almonds and walnuts before mixing to enhance their natural richness and provide deeper, more complex taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing texture.
• Perfect Icing Trick: Ensure lemon sugar slush is slightly warm when drizzling for smoother, more even coverage across date slices.
• Control Sweetness: Reduce sugar by one-third if using very ripe, sweet dates to maintain balanced flavor profile.

Fun Ways To Change Mary Berry Date Slices

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove almonds and walnuts, substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch and nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reduce quantity to create a less sweet dessert for diabetic-friendly approach.

Tasty Matches For Mary Berry Date Slices

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: A fragrant, creamy chai tea perfectly complements the nutty, sweet date slices with its warming spices that echo the cinnamon in the dessert.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Mascarpone: Dollop a light, silky mascarpone cream alongside the date slices to balance the dense, rich texture and add a luxurious cooling contrast.
• Enhance with Toasted Almond Liqueur: A small glass of smooth almond-based liqueur will amplify the nutty undertones and bring out the deep, caramel-like sweetness of the dates.
• Serve with Cold Cream Frappe: A chilled, frothy coffee drink cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, warm date slice.

How To Store Mary Berry Date Slices

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the date slices between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.
• Remove frozen slices from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, allowing them to naturally return to their original soft consistency.

Date Slices Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Date Slices bring Middle Eastern sweetness to your dessert table, blending rich dried fruits with nutty undertones. Crumbly pastry and caramelized dates create a perfect harmony you’ll crave with afternoon tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 350 grams (12.35 ounces) self-raising flour
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) dark muscovado sugar (or brown sugar)
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) ground almonds
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) chopped walnuts
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Fruit and Liquid Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.82 ounces) stoned and chopped dates
• 350 milliliters (11.8 fluid ounces) boiling water
• Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

Topping and Binding Ingredients:

• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) softened butter
• 225 grams (7.94 ounces) sifted pure icing sugar
• Walnut pieces for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Combine chopped dates, melted butter, and boiling water in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to soften and cool completely, creating a rich, moist base.
3. Vigorously whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, then gently fold into the date mixture to create a smooth, even batter.
4. Incorporate ground almonds, roughly chopped walnuts, flour, and cinnamon into the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, checking for a golden-brown color and a firm texture when gently pressed.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps set the texture and intensify the flavors.
8. Prepare a zesty lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
9. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled slice, creating an even layer of tangy sweetness.
10. Sprinkle additional crushed walnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
11. Once the glaze has set, slice into neat squares and serve.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor and tender texture.
• Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex taste profile.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup without compromising moisture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly adaptation that keeps the slice’s delightful crumbly consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg