This old-fashioned date slice is a treasured family recipe passed down from Margie. With sweet dates, a buttery oat base, and a chewy texture, it’s the perfect afternoon tea treat that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Twelve months ago if you'd offered me something with a dried fruit in the name I would have politely said 'no thank you.' I really didn't like dried fruit.
Well that's what I thought anyway. It seems the shrivelled little sweets have snuck into my life and won me over.
I'm still not going to eat a whole fresh date any time soon (baby steps) but give me date slice and it won't last long.
I can't claim this recipe, it is made by a very close friend (she's really family without the blood bit) Margie.
She's been making this date slice for mum for ages but over Easter I snuck a piece. Then the next day another piece and another.
Can I be forgiven for eating most of it? I couldn't eat chocolate after all. When I returned from out little holiday I complimented her on it and the next week I was delivered a big box of it.
It is one of those very easy recipes that tastes like it would be very involved with heaps of ingredients but is in fact made of just 6 things.
You don't even really have to chop up the dates if you don't want to. They break down in the pot with just a bit of stirring.
Just mix it all together then it needs a bit of time to set in the fridge.
I recommend cutting it into very small pieces so you can have more and it won't be all that naughty. It's pretty irresistible but very sweet. Enjoy!
What about you? Have any new foods won your heart recently?
Recipe
Raw Date Slice
Ingredients
- 250 g ½ pound dates roughly chopped
- 250 g butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 12-14 plain sweet biscuits crushed
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Line a 15x25cm (7x11") baking pan with baking paper or freezer paper.
- Place the dates, butter and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring, until soft.
- Take off the heat and leave to cool for at least 5 minutes then add the beaten egg and crushed biscuits and mix well.
- Sprinkle the pan with the coconut and pour in the mixture then sprinkle more coconut on top.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm then cut into pieces.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
Nutrition
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Wow, they do look easy to make and I've never had a problem with dried fruit. :)
Claire says
No because you're normal not like me!
The Life of Clare says
Hey Claire, you seem to have forgotten an ingredient in your recipe. I love these kind of snacks. Yesterday I made balls with dried apricots! Yum. I'll definitely be giving these a go.
Claire says
Oops Clare! Got so caught up in including the pounds measurement I forgot to say what it actually was! Ooh those sound delicious. Hope you're sharing the recipe.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe you definitely have your food quirks! Fresh dates are gorgeous-I wish I didn't like them as much. Perhaps next year you'll be scoffing them with delight ;)
Claire says
I'd say I will be Lorraine!