This easy baked Date Slice Recipe really highlights how wonderful dates are in baking. When those chewy dates are combined with buttery biscuit and sweet lemon icing, you really can't go wrong!
Love dates? You might like these old fashioned Chinese Chews, Sticky Date Pudding, Date and Walnut Slice, Caramel Date Slice or Spicy Fruit Roll Biscuits.
The Recipe for Date Slice
This recipe is one from a little yellow notebook my mum kept when I was young, and my mum, my sister and I all added to it over the years.
I think this particular Date Slice Recipe may have come from our high school home science lessons.
I do know that my sister made it a lot and I loved it so much that she wrote it up in the notebook as "Libby's Date Slice."
Sweet!
I have clarified a few things in the method and added the missing icing ingredients, so keep scrolling past this original recipe for the updated recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It really is one of the yummiest slices around, and this particular date slice recipe will turn even someone who says they don't like dates into a date lover!
- Consuming dates is linked with plenty of health benefits (I know – that's a stretch when there is butter and sugar in there too. But perhaps we can feel slightly less guilty when enjoying a square of date slice?)
- You really can't beat a baked slice recipe, and while this recipe does involve baking it's still a super easy date slice recipe.
Ingredient notes
The ingredient list includes pitted dates – find them at the supermarket. You'll also need SR flour (or plain/all purpose flour plus baking powder, caster sugar (superfine sugar), desiccated coconut, butter, golden syrup (or corn syrup), vanilla extract, icing sugar (powdered sugar) and lemon juice.
Wondering about quantities? Scroll to the end of the post for the recipe card which contains ingredients quantities and method.
How to make Date Slice
Preparation
You'll need a slice tin (approx 28 x 18cm) – grease it and line with baking paper, leaving excess on the sides to lift out slice once set.
Pre-heat your oven to moderate (180 degrees celsius, fan-forced).
Melt and Mix
When measuring out the dates, note that it is chopped dates we are measuring – chop first then measure.
Combine the flour, sugar, coconut and dates in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Place the butter and golden syrup in a saucepan and stir over low heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Pour melted mixture into mixing bowl containing dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared slice tin and press into the tin evenly using the back of a dessert spoon.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Set an alarm for 15 minutes, too. That's when you need to start making the icing as the slice is iced while hot.
Icing Date Slice
To make the lovely lemon icing, combine the icing sugar, melted butter and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and stir to combine.
Add more lemon juice of necessary to form a mixture that is runny enough to spread over the slice.
Pour the icing over slice immediately once you remove it from the oven.
Spread evenly over the slice and sprinkle with coconut, if desired.
Allow to cool to room temperature and then remove from tin and cut into squares using a sharp knife.
Recipe FAQs
Your slice will keep for up to a week if you store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes, wrap it well or store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
You should find pitted dates at the supermarket with the other dried fruits.
Want more slice recipes?
Browse the entire slice collection here or jump straight to these faves:
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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Date Slice
Equipment
- slice tin (28 x 18cm approx)
Ingredients
- 1 cup SR flour (or 1 cup plain/all purpose flour plus 2 teaspoons baking powder)
- ¼ cup sugar (superfine sugar)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 125 grams butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 2 cups icing sugar (confectioners sugar)
- 15 grams butter, melted
- 1 lemon (juice only, 2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to moderate (180 degrees celsius, fan-forced).
- Grease a slice tin and line with baking paper, leaving excess on the sides to lift out slice once set.
- Combine flour, sugar, coconut and dates in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Place butter and golden syrup in a saucepan and stir over low heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Pour melted mixture into mixing bowl containing dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Pour mixture into slice tin and press into tin evenly using the back of a dessert spoon.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Icing
- This slice is iced while hot so start preparing the icing about 5 minutes before the slice finishes cooking.
- Combine the icing sugar, melted butter and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add more lemon juice of necessary to form a mixture that is runny enough to spread over the slice.
- Pour icing over slice once you remove it from the oven. Sprinkle with coconut, if desired.
- Allow to cool to room temperature and then remove from tin and cut into squares using a sharp knife.
Margaret Dalton
My family love the date slice, so easy.Also the passion fruit slice these
two slices are my go to quickly.
Thank you Libby
Libby Hakim
You're welcome!
Lyn Craggs
I found the icing overwhelmed the slice.
Gretta
Delicious, lovely buttery slice. I used dried apricots instead of dates, worked well. Very morish.
Libby Hakim
Lovely, like the idea of using dried apricots, too 🙂 Thanks for your review, Gretta!