The Mary Berry Date Slices recipe is a delightful treat made with stoned and chopped dates, softened butter, eggs, dark muscovado sugar, ground almonds, chopped walnuts, self-raising flour, and a touch of ground cinnamon. This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and yields a generous serving for all to enjoy.
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💗 Discover The Joy Of Cooking With This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent. Dates, black muscovado sugar, and powdered almonds make a decadent topping for your sweet craving.
- Nutty crunch. While the dates are soft, chopped walnuts lend a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Easy to make. The simple ingredients and clear directions make this recipe easy for both beginners and expert bakers.
- Tangy icing. The lemon icing’s tanginess and citrus flavor counterbalance the date slices’ richness.
❓ What Is Mary Berry’s Date Slices Recipe?
Mary Berry Date Slices are delicious baked delights made with stoned and chopped dates, butter, eggs, dark muscovado sugar, ground almonds, chopped walnuts, self-raising flour, and cinnamon. Dates give them a moist, chewy texture and a rich, delectable taste.

📜 Mary Berry Date Slices Ingredients
For the cake:
- 250g stoned and chopped dates
- 40g softened butter
- 350ml boiling water
- 2 large eggs
- 200g dark muscovado sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute)
- 150g ground almonds/almond meal
- 150g chopped walnuts
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 1/2 level tsp. ground cinnamon
For the icing:
- 225g sifted pure icing sugar
- Grated rind and juice of one lemon
- Walnut pieces to decorate
👩🍳 Mary Berry Date Slices Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan-forced) and prepare a 30x23cm baking tray.
- Combine dates and butter with boiling water; let cool.
- Whisk eggs and sugar; add the date mixture and remaining cake ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then make icing with sifted icing sugar, lemon zest, and juice.
- Spread icing over the cake, and decorate with walnuts.
- Cut into 24 pieces and enjoy.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Ensure the dates are properly softened by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for the recommended time.
- Use dark muscovado sugar or brown sugar as a substitute for the rich flavor it adds to the slices.
- Be cautious with the thickness of the slices when baking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become overly dry.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense texture; gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust the amount of ground cinnamon according to personal preference; start with the recommended measurement and add more if desired.

☕ What To Serve With Date Slices?
Mary Berry Date Slices can be served on their own as a delightful sweet treat. However, they can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.
🎚 How To Store Date Slices?
- In the fridge. Cool the Traditional Mary Berry Date Slices and put them in a container that won’t let air in. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week.
- In the freezer. To freeze, wrap it up tightly and put it in the freezer for up to three months.
🥵 How To Reheat Date Slices?
- In The Microwave. Heat a slice or two on a microwave-safe dish for 10–15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating by checking slices at each period.
- In The Oven. Low-preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the slices on a baking pan and heat for 5-10 minutes until desired. Watch them to avoid drying.
- In The Toaster Oven. Place slices directly on a toaster oven rack or baking sheet. Toast on low for a few minutes until warm.
FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Chop Dates For Date Slices?
The best way to chop dates for date slices is to use a sharp knife and a cutting board. Remove the pits and slice them into small, uniform pieces.
How Long Should I Soak The Dates In Boiling Water?
Soak the dates in boiling water for about 10–15 minutes to soften them before using them in the recipe.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut For Decoration Instead Of Walnuts?
Yes, you can use a different type of nut, such as almonds or pecans, for decoration instead of walnuts. Choose your preferred nut and chop it into small pieces.
Can I Add Other Fruits To The Date Slices?
While the recipe traditionally calls for dates, you can experiment by adding other dried fruits like raisins or dried cranberries to the Date Slices for a variation in flavors.
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Mary Berry Date Slices Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Are You Looking For Best Mary Berry Cookbooks ? Here Are Top 5 Best Seller Mary Berry Cookbooks You Should Have:

- Mary Makes it Easy Cookbook
- Mary Berry’s Baking Bible
- Baking with Mary Berry
- Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts (recommended)
- Mary Berry Quick Cooking

Mary Berry Date Slices
Description
The Mary Berry Date Slices recipe is a delightful treat made with stoned and chopped dates, softened butter, eggs, dark muscovado sugar, ground almonds, chopped walnuts, self-raising flour, and a touch of ground cinnamon. This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and yields a generous serving for all to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the cake:
For the icing:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan-forced) and prepare a 30x23cm baking tray.
- Combine dates and butter with boiling water; let cool.
- Whisk eggs and sugar; add the date mixture and remaining cake ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then make icing with sifted icing sugar, lemon zest, and juice.
- Spread icing over the cake, and decorate with walnuts.
- Cut into 24 pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the dates are properly softened by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for the recommended time.
- Use dark muscovado sugar or brown sugar as a substitute for the rich flavor it adds to the slices.
- Be cautious with the thickness of the slices when baking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become overly dry.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense texture; gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust the amount of ground cinnamon according to personal preference; start with the recommended measurement and add more if desired.