There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a recipe passed down through generations, especially when it bakes up as wonderfully as this Caramel Date Slice.
This recipe is a simple melt and mix one, and the resulting slice is so perfectly sweet and chewy – it's a real winner!
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The original recipe
This recipe dates back to the late 1930s and was recorded in Nana Ling's handwritten recipe books. I've stayed pretty true to the original recipe, but keep scrolling for modern measurements and clear instructions.
Ingredient notes
Butter and brown sugar combine to give this slice a caramel flavour. You'll also need pitted dates and walnuts and a few other pantry staples.
See the recipe card at the end of this post for ingredient quantities.
How to make Caramel Date Slice
You can have this slice in the oven and baking in 10 minutes. Ready. Set. GO.
Start by pre-heating the oven to moderate (180 degrees celsius / 350 degrees fahrenheit, fan-forced). Grease a slice tin (approx 26 x 16 cm) and line with baking paper, leaving excess on the sides to lift out slice once cooked.
Measure out the ingredients, melt the butter and chop the dates and walnuts.
Add the melted butter and brown sugar to a mixing bowl (see image 1) and stir until combined. Next:
- add the egg (see image 2) and vanilla extract and stir until combined
- add the sifted flour and salt and stir until just combined (see image 3)
- add the chopped walnuts and chopped dates and fold into the mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the mixture into prepared slice tin and spread out evenly into the tin using the back of a metal spoon (see image 4).
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a deep golden colour.
After removing from the oven, allow to cool in the tray and then remove the slice from the tin using the overhanging baking paper. Cut into squares.
Storing and enjoying
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
This slice can also be frozen, wrapped well and placed in an airtight container, for up to a few months.
It's such a lovely slice. Make sure you sit down with a cuppa and give yourself a pat on the back once it's done!
More super simple slice recipes
Looking for other recipes like this one? Try these:
Made this recipe and love it? Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. (And it really makes my day to hear how Nana Ling's recipes are being made, shared and loved all around the world! - Libby x)
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Caramel Date Slice
Equipment
- slice tin (approx 26 x 16 cm)
Ingredients
- 125 grams butter, melted
- 250 grams brown sugar (1 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 190 grams SR flour (1 ¼ cups) (or 1 ¼ cups plain/all purpose flour + 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder)
- 1 pinch salt
- ¾ cup walnuts, chopped (75 grams)
- ¾ cup dates, chopped (125 grams)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to moderate (180 degrees celsius / 350 degrees fahrenheit, fan-forced).
- Grease a slice tin (approx 26 x 16 cm) and line with baking paper, leaving excess on the sides to lift out slice once cooked.
- Add the melted butter and brown sugar to a mixing bowl and stir until combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
- Add sifted flour and salt and stir until just combined.
- Add chopped walnuts and chopped dates and fold into the mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour mixture into prepared slice tin and spread out evenly into the tin using the back of a metal spoon.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a deep golden colour.
- Allow to cool in tray and then remove the slice from the tin using the overhanging baking paper and cut into squares.
Faye Parish/Harris says
Fabulous flavour & very easy to make. Can’t see it lasting 7days in our home.
Thankyou for sharing this wonderful recipe
Libby Hakim says
haha - enjoy! Thanks so much for leaving a rating and review, Faye 🙂
Sylvia Johnston says
Hi, I’m dying to try this recipe but having some trouble understanding the ingredient measurements. 250 grams of brown sugar you gave as 1 cup… 3/4 cups walnuts is 75 grams BUT 3/4 cups of dates is 125 grams? Not sure which is correct
Libby Hakim says
Hi Sylvia. Yes, this is correct. The different ingredients have different weights, so dates being heavier than walnuts means 3/4 cup will be heavier in weight even though they are both the same volume. I hope this helps. Happy cooking!
Keely says
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I highly recommend.
Libby Hakim says
Thanks, Keely! Happy baking 🙂
Helen Brown says
Hello
Just a note to let you know that I made the Caramel Date Nut Slice it was one of those recipes you wished you’d always had..
I used pecans as had no walnuts, and it was so moorish..
Love your site thank you for all that you share..
Libby Hakim says
Hi Helen - thanks so much for the feedback. This recipe is so versatile, pecans would be another great option! Enjoy and happy cooking x
Jayne says
Hi Libby, do you think this would work without any nuts included. It looks great and I would like to try it but can't have nuts in the house. Many thanks.
Libby Hakim says
Hi Jayne - for sure! I haven't tested it, but would be fairly confident it would turn out fine by just omitting the nuts. Good luck!!
Lindsey says
would you add more dates to make up the nuts if you don't use them
Libby Hakim says
you could - but I reckon it'd be fine either way.
Carolyn says
Yum Libby this looks so easy and delicious.
I was talking to you about cooking the tomato relish in the crockpot {slow cooker} and it worked a treat, I stood the tomatoes and onions overnight and salted them, drained them then added everything else to the slow cooker and cooked them on low around 9 hrs.I also used some frozen tomatoes up and managed to cut them while they were thawing