Indulge in the irresistible combination of dates and walnuts with this delightful traybake by Mary Berry. Despite its distinct flavour profile, this slice is far from a traditional sticky date pudding. It offers a unique, rich, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with a comforting cup of coffee on a chilly winter morning. The dates provide a natural sweetness, while the walnuts add a pleasant crunch. This traybake is sure to be enjoyed by everyone, even those who aren’t typically fans of dates.
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
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C or 160°C fan-forced. Grease and line a 30x23cm baking tray or roasting tin.
- Place the chopped dates and butter in a small bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and stir well. Set aside and leave to cool.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together. Stir in the cooled date mixture and add the remaining cake ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. While the original recipe suggests a longer baking time, it’s essential to check the cake regularly. A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean. If the cake is cooked to perfection at 30 minutes, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, removing the baking paper.
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing. Mix the sifted icing sugar with the lemon zest and juice, gradually adding a dribble of warm water at a time until you achieve a smooth spreading consistency. If you prefer a thinner layer of icing, halve the amount. For a thicker layer, use the entire quantity.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the icing over the top, ensuring an even coverage.
- Decorate the cake with walnut pieces according to your preference.
- Cut the Date Slice into 24 pieces and savor each delectable bite.
This Inspired by Mary Berry Date Slice is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors. The nutty richness, enhanced by the dates, and the delightful crunch of walnuts make this traybake a true treat. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, shared at a gathering, or savored as an indulgent snack, this Date Slice is bound to impress.
