Mary Berry’s date slices are a delightful blend of chewy, sweet dates encased in a buttery, crumbly oat crust. These classic treats are a wonderful balance of textures, with a naturally rich filling that pairs beautifully with the crisp, golden topping. They make the perfect afternoon snack, a satisfying breakfast bite, or a wholesome dessert option.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and naturally sweet flavors. The dates provide a caramel-like richness without the need for excessive sugar, making these slices both delicious and slightly nutritious. Whether you serve them with a cup of tea or pack them for a midday energy boost, these date slices are a timeless bake that never disappoints.
Recipe at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of key details to help you plan your baking session.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together for a soft, chewy filling and a crisp, buttery crust.
For the Date Filling:
- 250g dried dates, chopped
- 150ml water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Oat Crust & Topping:
- 200g plain flour
- 150g rolled oats
- 100g light brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 150g unsalted butter, melted
Substitutes and Optional Ingredients
- Sugar-Free Option – Reduce or omit the brown sugar in the filling since dates are naturally sweet.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation – Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Twist – Add 50g chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need for Mary Berry Date Slices
To make this recipe smoothly, gather the following kitchen essentials:
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch (20cm) square baking tin
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Mary Berry Date Slices
Time needed: 45 minutes
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of date slices.
- Prepare the Filling
In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the dates soften and form a thick paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
- Make the Oat Crust
In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Layers
Press half of the oat mixture into the base of the baking tin, creating an even layer. Spread the cooled date filling over it, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Slice
Let the date slices cool completely in the tin before cutting them into squares.
Step-Specific Tips
- Let the filling cool slightly – A warm filling spreads easily, but if it’s too hot, it may soften the oat base.
- Press the base firmly – A well-packed base ensures the slices hold their shape when cut.
Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info
This recipe makes 12 date slices, with each slice offering the following nutritional profile:
Nutrient | Amount per slice |
Calories | 210 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 9g |
Sugar | 15g |
These date slices contain gluten and dairy. To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter alternatives.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Naturally Sweetened – The dates add rich, natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Great for Meal Prep – These slices keep well, making them perfect for batch baking.
- Satisfying Texture – The chewy date filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp oat layers.
Pro Tips for Perfect Date Slices
- Use soft dates – Medjool or other naturally soft dates work best. If using firmer dates, soak them in hot water before cooking.
- Don’t overbake – The top should be golden but not overly crisp to maintain a chewy texture.
- Line the tin with parchment paper – This makes it easier to lift the slices out for clean cutting.
Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps
If you want to experiment, try these creative twists:
- Coconut Date Slices – Add 50g shredded coconut to the oat mixture for a tropical touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled slices for extra indulgence.
- Spiced Date Bars – Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Skipping the lemon juice – This balances the sweetness of the dates and prevents them from tasting overly rich.
- Not cooling before slicing – Warm slices may fall apart; allow them to firm up before cutting.
- Using instant oats – Rolled oats provide the right texture; instant oats can make the base too soft.
How to Store & Serve Mary Berry Date Slices
Storing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerating: Keeps fresh for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before eating.
Serving
- Traditional Way: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Dessert Option: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Related Recipe: How to make Mary Berry Almond Cake Recipe
Mary Berry Date Slices FAQs
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?
Fresh dates have a higher moisture content and may result in a wetter filling. If using fresh dates, reduce the added water and cook until thickened to achieve the right consistency.
Why is my oat crust crumbly?
If your crust is too dry, it may need a little more melted butter to bind the mixture. Pressing the base firmly into the tin also helps prevent crumbling.
Can I make these date slices vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or plant-based butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s date slices are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and crisp textures, making them an irresistible homemade treat. With a naturally rich date filling and a buttery oat topping, these slices are both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a light dessert, they’re sure to become a household favorite.