Just as the title suggests this is a really simple Easy Date Slice recipe. I'm a big fan of sticky date pudding, so I decided to make bars (or as we call it here in Australia "a slice") with the same flavours. They are super moist with a slightly dense but crumbly texture.
If you like dates, you'll LOVE these. The first batch went down a treat with the taste testers (my parents).
I shouldn't be surprised that this was a recipe mum and dad enjoyed - especially my mum who loves sticky date pudding...there was the infamous incident of my now husband sharing a slice of sticky date pudding (1 dessert 2 spoons style) with his prospective mother-in-law one evening when the four of us were out to dinner.
He thought he was doing the right thing when the idea was floated - maybe she wants dessert but doesn't want to eat it all? She would feel guilty leaving some on the plate? I assume that's what went through his chivalrous mind - he's like that, a total gentleman.
To this day Peter still laughs about how little of that sticky date pudding he actually got to eat, and refuses to share a dessert now with anyone at all - me included! I think it's a case of once bitten...
Please enjoy my version of sticky date in moist, crumbly, tender slice.
Looking for another quick and easy date recipe? Why not give my Easy Date Scones a go! Moist, fluffy date scones in an easy mix recipe, no need to rub the butter into the flour - just mix and into the oven!
PS When I mentioned to mum that I was going to include an anecdote about her (getting editorial permission!) in this post, I didn't even need to tell her which story I was going to use - she guessed straight away!
Lee-Ann ♥
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Some of my other simple Melt & Mix recipes:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites with Pretzels
Chocolate Coffee Fudge (No Thermometer)
Table of Contents
📖 Recipe
Easy Date Slice Recipe - Melt & Mix
Ingredients
- 200 g chopped dates dry not fresh
- 200 g self-raising flour - sifted
- 70 g light brown sugar
- 150 g salted butter cubed
- 2 tbsp. golden syrup
- rind of 1 lemon - finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180c or 350f.
- Grease and line an 18cm x 18cm or 7inch x 7inch (base measurement) baking tin and set aside.
- Combine butter, sugar and golden syrup in a medium heatproof bowl (place a piece of kitchen towel/paper on top but not touching the contents - this will save your microwave from splatters).70 g light brown sugar150 g salted butter2 tbsp. golden syrup
- Microwave on high for 1 - 1 ½ mins until butter is melted, remove from microwave and mix to melt sugar and combine.
- Meanwhile place flour, dates and lemon in a medium bowl, mix to combine.200 g chopped dates200 g self-raising flour - siftedrind of 1 lemon - finely grated
- Add melted butter mixture to dates and flour, and mix well to combine.
- Bake for 13 - 15 mins, until top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool in tin for 30 mins before cutting into 12 squares.
Notes
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Hi Lee-Ann, I made these with Coles brand gluten free flour for a celiac friend. They were delicious but a bit dry and crumbly. Have you made them with GF flour? Should I have added something to the mix?
Hi Dasha, I haven't tried this recipe with gluten free flour - sorry!
Hi Dasha,
I just did the same using Woolies brand SR gluten free flour. It is delicious and crumbly but next time I am going to try adding an egg to help bind it together more like the non-GF version I made for some of my family.
Hi Dasha. I have made these tonight with gf flour, remember to add xantham gum even if the flour alrady contains it. Mine turned out perfectly first try.
Way too much wet ingredients for the amount of dry. I weighed everything and double checked every amount.. a shame because I love date slice. About to try cooking for another 15 mins to see if that helps
Hi Debbie, I'm sorry it didn't work for you! Did you have to substitute any of the ingredients?
No, I didn’t substitute anything. I realise baking is an exact science where when substitutes are made the end results are not always ideal. So I followed instructions to the tee. After baking for 12 mins longer after the first 15 mins, I had to take it from the oven as I could see the crispy brown bits were getting a bit darker ontop. I cooled in the tray then on a wire rack until cool to the touch. Upon cutting the slice it’s under cooked and dense almost stodgy. I appreciate your reply and the time spent creating this but it’s not for me.
Kove this recipe, it has become my go to for just something to have in rge cupboard. My family also love it, so it doesn't last for long! I bake it for about 18 minutes, any less and I find it too wet.
Thanks Jaqui!
I enjoyed the flavours of the slice, especially the pop of lemon coming through.
I did feel that 200g flour wasn't quite enough,as the cooked slice came out quite soft and sticky, apart from the edges, which were nice and crispy.
I think I would add another 1/2 cup of flour to the mix.
I look forward to the next batch!
Why can’t you use fresh prunes because that’s what I have. Just curious 😊
Hi Caroline! There aren't any prunes in the recipe, the recipe uses dates.
Hello Lee-Ann please tell me what golden syrup is?
Hi Denise! Golden syrup is a thick, smooth golden-colored syrup made from cane sugar. It's the consistency of honey, but tastes different. It can also be known as light treacle. Hope this helps!
L x
A delicious slice and definitely easy. Will be making this one again. Many thanks.
Total pleasure, Tania!
Hi Lee-Ann , when I mixed all the ingredients together it looked very greasy /slimey mix. What have I done wrong
Sue
Hi Sue, did you weigh out the ingredients? From your description it sounds like maybe too much butter or not enough flour?
Absolutely delicious. A real hit with my visitors n husband. V easy to make. Thank you.
Absolute pleasure BettyB!
Omg delicious
Thanks Theresa!