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Mary Berry Date Slices Recipe

Date Slices Recipe Mary Berry
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Butter: Rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Assemble the Date Slices

  1. 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.
  2. Add the Filling: Spread the cooled date mixture evenly over the base.
  3. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date filling, gently pressing it down with your fingertips.

4. Bake the Date Slices

  1. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
  2. 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.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-date-slices/