This sounds like a delicious recipe with a lot of fond memories attached to it! Let’s take your Grandma’s “Date & Walnut Slice” and build out a full recipe with a little extra charm, history, and some storytelling along the way.
Grandma’s Date & Walnut Slice: A Sweet Tradition
A perfect blend of sticky, toffee-like dates and crunchy walnuts, this Date & Walnut Slice is a timeless treat. Every Sunday afternoon, my Grandma would whip this up in the kitchen. The combination of rich dates, buttery goodness, and the slight bite of walnuts makes this slice irresistible. You’d take a bite, sip your tea, and before you knew it, half the tray was gone. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques—just simple, homey baking with love. Whether for a Sunday tea, a family gathering, or a cozy afternoon snack, this slice will bring comfort and joy with every bite.
The History Behind the Date & Walnut Slice
The tradition of using dates and walnuts together in desserts dates back centuries. Dates, a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets, are naturally sweet and full of nutrients. Walnuts, with their hearty crunch, are often paired with rich ingredients in baked goods to create both texture and flavor.
This Date & Walnut Slice is a reflection of humble family cooking—simple, no-fuss, and perfect for the Sunday table. My Grandma learned this recipe from her mother, who had picked it up from a neighbor. It’s a little like passing down a secret treasure, except the secret is really just good, wholesome ingredients combined in the right way. Every Sunday, the house smelled of the rich caramel notes from the dates and the warmth of fresh-baked treats, and I could never wait to taste the result.
Ingredients:
- 250g pitted dates, chopped
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 250mL boiling water
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g chopped walnuts
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Prepare the Dates:
- Chop the dates into small pieces. In a small saucepan or bowl, pour the boiling water over the dates and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Let this sit for about 5–10 minutes. The bicarbonate of soda helps break down the dates, softening them and making them extra gooey, almost like toffee.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes around 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer, or you can do it by hand with a wooden spoon if you prefer the workout.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with Flour:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to combine.
- Add the Date Mixture:
- Once the dates have softened and cooled slightly, fold the date mixture into the batter, making sure to get all the gooey toffee-like syrup in there. It should be a bit sticky, and you might feel a bit of resistance as you stir, but that’s just the dates doing their magic.
- Add Walnuts:
- Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts. This adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, sweet date filling.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a square 8-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. You can test it by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your slice is ready!
- Cool and Slice:
- Once out of the oven, let the slice cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. When completely cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. These little bites of heaven will melt in your mouth!
Formation:
The Date & Walnut Slice is a straightforward recipe, yet it’s the love and care you put into it that makes it extra special. The marriage of rich, caramelized dates and crunchy walnuts brings out a comforting sweetness, with just enough texture to keep things interesting. The self-raising flour ensures the slice has a light, almost sponge-like consistency, while the melted butter and brown sugar create the perfect toffee-like richness. A perfect balance of indulgence without feeling too heavy.
This slice doesn’t require any fancy frosting or layers—it’s all about the natural goodness of the ingredients coming together harmoniously.
Lovers of the Slice:
- For the Date Lovers: The natural sweetness of the dates will send you straight to dessert heaven. These little gems give the slice its signature flavor and chewy texture, making it the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- For the Walnut Enthusiasts: With crunchy walnuts in every bite, this recipe will satisfy those who appreciate a bit of texture to offset the softness of the dates. The nuts add not only flavor but also a bit of heartiness, making this slice feel like a wholesome treat.
- For the Tea Lovers: If you’re someone who treasures the ritual of a good cup of tea, this Date & Walnut Slice is an ideal companion. The buttery richness of the slice pairs wonderfully with both black tea and herbal infusions.
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Date & Walnut Slice is more than just a recipe—it’s a sweet, cherished tradition passed down over generations. It’s simple, unpretentious, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re baking it for a Sunday tea or sharing it with loved ones, this slice is guaranteed to become a beloved treat in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the warm, nostalgic flavors of a dessert that will always remind you of home.
Happy baking! 💕