Mary Berry’s Date Slices are a timeless British treat, perfect for teatime or as a wholesome snack. Combining naturally sweet dates with a buttery oat crumb, these bars offer a perfect balance and crispness. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is ideal for baking beginners and pros alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic Mary Berry recipe with reliable results
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Uses simple pantry ingredients for easy preparation
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Perfect texture with soft date filling and crunchy oat topping
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Ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon tea, or dessert
Ingredients Breakdown
Date Filling
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Chopped Dates (225g): The star of the filling—naturally sweet and sticky, they create a jammy center.
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Water (125ml): Helps soften and break down the dates while cooking.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a smooth, fragrant note to the date mixture.
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Baking Soda (1 tsp): Reacts with the dates and water to soften the fruit and thicken the mixture.
Crumb Layers
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Plain Flour (110g): Forms the base structure of the crumble topping and bottom layer.
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Quick-Cook Oats (110g): Adds texture and a rustic touch to the crumbly layers.
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Sugar (175g): Sweetens the oat and flour mixture and balances the tartness of the dates.
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Baking Powder (1 tsp): Provides slight lift and lightness to the crumble.
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Butter (110g): Rubbed into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly, golden topping and base
Tips and Tricks
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Use fresh or properly thawed dates for the best texture.
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Rub the butter in quickly to avoid melting it with your hands, ensuring a crumbly topping.
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Press crumbs firmly but don’t compact too hard to maintain a crisp texture.
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Store slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
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Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb for extra crunch.
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Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mixed spice for warming flavor.
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For a healthier twist, substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup and use whole wheat flour.
Pairing Suggestions
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Enjoy with a cup of English breakfast tea or fresh coffee.
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Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dessert.
Storage Instructions
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Keep date slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Popular Questions
Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?
Yes, chopped prunes or figs can work well as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Replace plain flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I make the recipe dairy-free?
Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.