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
Classic Mary Berry recipe with reliable results
Uses simple pantry ingredients for easy preparation
Perfect texture with soft date filling and crunchy oat topping
Ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon tea, or dessert
Ingredients Breakdown
Date Filling
Chopped Dates (225g): The star of the filling—naturally sweet and sticky, they create a jammy center.
Water (125ml): Helps soften and break down the dates while cooking.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a smooth, fragrant note to the date mixture.
Baking Soda (1 tsp): Reacts with the dates and water to soften the fruit and thicken the mixture.
Crumb Layers
Plain Flour (110g): Forms the base structure of the crumble topping and bottom layer.
Quick-Cook Oats (110g): Adds texture and a rustic touch to the crumbly layers.
Sugar (175g): Sweetens the oat and flour mixture and balances the tartness of the dates.
Baking Powder (1 tsp): Provides slight lift and lightness to the crumble.
Butter (110g): Rubbed into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly, golden topping and base
Tips and Tricks
Use fresh or properly thawed dates for the best texture.
Rub the butter in quickly to avoid melting it with your hands, ensuring a crumbly topping.
Press crumbs firmly but don’t compact too hard to maintain a crisp texture.
Store slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb for extra crunch.
Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mixed spice for warming flavor.
For a healthier twist, substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup and use whole wheat flour.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy with a cup of English breakfast tea or fresh coffee.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dessert.
Storage Instructions
Keep date slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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.
