The Mary Berry Date Slices are a delicious, wholesome treat perfect for a tea-time snack or dessert. These slices feature a rich, sweet date filling sandwiched between a crumbly, buttery oat crust and topping. This simple yet flavorful recipe makes for a wonderful homemade snack that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
What are Mary Berry Date Slices?
Mary Berry’s Date Slices consist of a gooey date filling encased between two layers of buttery oat mixture. The soft and sweet filling made from dates is complemented by a crisp and crumbly texture, making these slices a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or a lunchbox treat.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Blueberry and Banana Muffins
- James Martin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Mary Berry Poached Pears
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Nutritious and Delicious: Dates are rich in fiber and natural sweetness, making this a healthier indulgence.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These slices can be served at tea time, as a snack, or even as a light dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Date slices can be stored for several days, making them great for meal prep.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Date Slices
For the Filling:
- Dried dates: 225g (8 oz), chopped, for the sweet filling.
- Water: 100ml (3.5 fl oz), to cook the dates.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to add a slight tang to the filling.
For the Crust and Topping:
- Self-raising flour: 150g (5.3 oz), for the base and topping.
- Rolled oats: 100g (3.5 oz), to add texture to the crumble.
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), cold and cubed, for richness.
- Light brown sugar: 100g (3.5 oz), for sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the crust rise slightly.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
Equipment
- Baking tin: An 8×8-inch square tin, greased and lined with parchment paper.
- Saucepan: To cook the date filling.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the crust and topping ingredients.
- Spatula: Spread the filling and mixture evenly.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Date Slices
1. Prepare the Date Filling
- Cook the Dates: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and the mixture is thickened.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the date mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the base and topping.
2. Make the Crust and Topping
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Butter: Rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble the Date Slices
- Create the Base: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the base of the prepared baking tin, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cooled date mixture evenly over the base.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date filling, gently pressing it down with your fingertips.
4. Bake the Date Slices
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool: Remove the tin from the oven and allow the date slices to cool completely in the tin before cutting them into squares or slices.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Date Slices
- A cup of tea or coffee: These slices are perfect for enjoying with a hot beverage.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
- Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
- Whipped cream: Lightly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the soft date filling.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Date Slices
- Use fresh dates: Make sure your dates are soft and fresh to achieve the best texture for the filling.
- Press the base firmly: Ensure you press down the base firmly in the tin to create a sturdy foundation for the slices.
- Cool completely: Allow the slices to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean edges and a firm texture.
- Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Date Slices
- Add spices: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the oat mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nutty date slices: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate date slices: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top after baking for a touch of indulgence.
- Gluten-free date slices: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Date Slices
- Room temperature: Store the slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Date slices can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Date Slices
- Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.
- Oven: Place the slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the topping.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Date Slices Healthier?
- Reduce sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Use whole wheat flour: Swap half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrition.
- Add seeds: Incorporate a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds into the oat mixture for extra nutrients.
Nutrition Value (per slice)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I freeze Mary Berry date slices?
Yes, Mary Berry date slices can be frozen. Wrap the slices individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How long do Mary Berry date slices last?
Date slices can last up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If kept in the refrigerator, they can last for up to 1 week.
Can I make date slices gluten-free?
Yes, you can make date slices gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Why are my date slices crumbly?
Date slices may turn out crumbly if the base and topping are not pressed firmly enough into the tin. Make sure to press the oat mixture down tightly to ensure a firm structure that holds together after baking.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Date Slices are a timeless treat that brings together the wholesome sweetness of dates with the buttery crunch of oats. Perfect for any time of day, these slices are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Fruit Cake Loaf
- Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake
- Jamie Oliver Blueberry and Banana Muffins
- Nigella Red Velvet Cake
Mary Berry Date Slices Recipe
- Prep Time: 1
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Date Slices consist of a gooey date filling encased between two layers of buttery oat mixture. The soft and sweet filling made from dates is complemented by a crisp and crumbly texture, making these slices a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or a lunchbox treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Dried dates: 225g (8 oz), chopped, for the sweet filling.
- Water: 100ml (3.5 fl oz), to cook the dates.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to add a slight tang to the filling.
For the Crust and Topping:
- Self-raising flour: 150g (5.3 oz), for the base and topping.
- Rolled oats: 100g (3.5 oz), to add texture to the crumble.
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), cold and cubed, for richness.
- Light brown sugar: 100g (3.5 oz), for sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the crust rise slightly.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Date Filling
- Cook the Dates: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and the mixture is thickened.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the date mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the base and topping.
2. Make the Crust and Topping
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Butter: Rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble the Date Slices
- Create the Base: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the base of the prepared baking tin, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cooled date mixture evenly over the base.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date filling, gently pressing it down with your fingertips.
4. Bake the Date Slices
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool: Remove the tin from the oven and allow the date slices to cool completely in the tin before cutting them into squares or slices.
