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.