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    Home » Recipes » Bars Brownies & Slices

    Date Slice

    A picture of Lucy the baker from Bake Play Smile.
    Modified: May 14, 2025 · Published: Aug 19, 2019 by Lucy Mathieson · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments
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    A classic melt and mix Date Slice recipe made from just 6 basic ingredients and requiring only 10 minutes preparation time!

    A classic melt and mix Date Slice recipe made from just 6 basic ingredients and requiring only 10 minutes preparation time!

    A classic melt and mix Date Slice recipe made from just 6 basic ingredients and requiring only 10 minutes preparation time!

    The sweetness of dates makes them perfect for baking slices, biscuits, cakes and puddings. Whether you're craving a batch of healthy Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss Balls, an easy No-Bake Date & Almond Slice, a classic Sticky Date Pudding, or Honey, Date & Oat Energy Bars, recipes using dates are going to become your new best friend!

    A baked date slice being cut into long pieces on a chopping board.

    Ingredients

    • butter
    • brown sugar
    • golden syrup
    • self-raising flour
    • dates
    • lemon zest
    • pinch of salt

    How To Make Date Slice... In 3 Simple Steps

    Step 1 - Melt the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup

    Brown sugar, butter and golden syrup in a white baking bowl.

    A mixing bowl with melted butter, brown sugar and golden syrup.

    Step 2 - Add the dry ingredients and mix together

    Chopped up dates in a mixing bowl on top of flour and melted butter.

    A white bowl filled with slice mixture in a dough.

    Step 3 - Bake for 15 minutes

    Date slice dough being pressed into a square baking tin.

    How To Chop Dates

    Dates are super sticky... which can make them tricky to chop! Here's a few tips for chopping dates without any fuss (or sticky fingers!):

    • use a food processor or Thermomix and pulse until chopped (make sure any pits are removed first!!) - this is by far the easiest option!!
    • if chopping dates by hand, use scissors or a small serrated knife to cut into pieces
    • if your knife or scissors are getting sticky, coat them in flour and continue chopping

    Storing Date Slice 

    Store the slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. 

    A baked date slice square on a white plate.

    Easy Date Recipes

    Dates are such a delicious and versatile ingredient to cook with. Check out some of my favourite date recipes here: 

    • Sticky Date Cookies
    • Healthy Oat & Date Slice
    • Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
    • Oat & Date Crumble Slice
    • ABCD Muffins
    A piece of slice baked with dried pitted dates.

    FAQ

    Should I use dried pitted dates or medjool dates?

    I generally use dried pitted dates in this recipe but you can substitute them for medjool dates if you prefer. 

    Can this slice be frozen?

    Yes, absolutely! Simply wrap the slice in plastic wrap and then place into an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow to come to room temperature before eating. 

    How do I serve the slice?

    This recipe is delicious served on it's own at room temperature. Alternatively, you can serve it warm for dessert with a scoop of ice-cream or drizzle of cream or custard. 

    How do I store leftover dates?

    Leftover dates can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months or in the fridge for 6-12 months. 

    Chunks of dates inside a baked slice.

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    A classic melt and mix Date Slice recipe made from just 6 basic ingredients and requiring only 10 minutes preparation time!

    Date Slice

    A classic melt and mix Date Squares recipe made from just 6 basic ingredients and requiring only 10 minutes preparation time! An old fashioned favourite!
    5 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Slices
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 20 pieces
    Calories: 142kcal
    Author: Lucy Mathieson

    Ingredients

    • 150 g butter chopped
    • 70 g (⅓ cup) brown sugar firmly packed
    • 3 tbs golden syrup
    • 200 g (1 ⅓ cups) self-raising flour
    • 220 g dates dried, pitted and roughly chopped
    • 1 tbs grated lemon zest zest from approx 1 lemon
    • pinch of salt
    Metric - US Customary
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    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper and set aside.
    • Place the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes or until melted.
    • Add the self-raising flour, chopped dates, lemon zest and salt and stir to combine.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin and cook for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.
    • Allow the slice to cool completely in the tin before cutting into pieces.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

    Thermomix Method

    • Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper and set aside.
    • Place the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup into the Thermomix bowl. Melt for 3 minutes, 80 degrees, Speed 2.
    • Add the self-raising flour, chopped dates, lemon zest and salt and mix on Reverse, Speed 4, 5 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and repeat for a further 5 seconds or until combined.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin and cook for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.Allow the slice to cool completely in the tin before cutting into pieces.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

    Notes

    RECIPE TIPS
    Melting: You can melt the butter, golden syrup and brown sugar in a microwave, on a store-top or in a Thermomix.
    How to chop dates: The easiest option is to use a food processor or Thermomix and pulse until chopped (make sure any pits are removed first!!). If chopping dates by hand, use scissors or a small serrated knife to cut into pieces. If your knife or scissors are getting sticky, coat them in flour and continue chopping.
    Types of dates: I generally use dried pitted dates in this recipe but you can substitute them for medjool dates if you prefer. 
    Serving: This recipe is delicious served on it’s own at room temperature. Alternatively, you can serve it warm for dessert with a scoop of ice-cream or drizzle of cream or custard. 
    Storage: Store the slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. 
    Leftover dates: Leftover dates can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months or in the fridge for 6-12 months. 
    Thermomix Tip: If you'd like to chop your dates in the Thermomix, simply place them in the bowl before starting the recipe. Chop by pressing Turbo in 1 second bursts (until they are the chunkiness you desire). Remove from the bowl and set aside until needed. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Comments

    1. Faye Lawson says

      May 01, 2020 at 9:17 am

      Was amazing, however mine was quite crumbly as I cut it, basically fell apart - still delicious though. Any thoughts on why so crumbly ::) Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        May 02, 2020 at 9:13 am

        Hi Faye, generally the longer you leave it before cutting, the less it will crumble!

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      March 29, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! Amazing! My 4 yo son and I just made it and eating it while it is still warm, it is delicious. And we just used cheap dates (not Medjool).

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        March 29, 2020 at 8:50 pm

        Oh that's wonderful!!!! Thank you xxx

        Reply
    3. Helen says

      February 28, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      Simply delicious. Loved it. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        February 29, 2020 at 8:01 am

        I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you xx

        Reply
    4. Fion says

      November 20, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome and so easy. What an amazing flavour. Perfect as a sticky date substitute
      Only downside is it’s hard to stop at one piece

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        November 20, 2019 at 10:07 pm

        It sure is hard to stop! xx

        Reply
    5. Gill says

      August 20, 2019 at 4:12 pm

      Loved this EASY recipe. I used orange zest instead of lemon and the taste was amazing.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »
    5 from 27 votes (21 ratings without comment)

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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

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