Date and walnut slice

Presenting: the best-ever date and walnut slice recipe 

We’ve all been there. It’s 3pm and you're craving a sweet treat… possibly chocolate? It’s 8pm, dinner’s done, the kids are in bed and you’re (you guessed it) craving a sweet treat… maybe chocolate…? Don’t let mindless munching derail your healthy living goals. There are plenty of sweet treats that meet that need. Yes, you should reach for an apple but when you fancy something a bit more decadent, our date and walnut slice will tick all the boxes. Whether you have an appetite for something savoury or sweet, our collection of better-for-you healthier living recipes will help satisfy any craving. 

Why this date slice is a smart choice

There are a couple of factors that set this healthy date slice recipe apart. Firstly, it gets its sweetness from dates and bananas, both of which are nutritious options. They’re quite sweet, too, so a little bit of this slice is all you’re going to need to satisfy that sweet craving. 

Next, this date slice recipe is made with wholemeal flour, which has a higher fibre content than white flour and takes longer to digest. That makes this a good afternoon tea treat as it will keep you feeling satisfied until dinner time.

Looking for more ideas? We’ve got you covered with our healthy pineapple cake, this guilt-free caramel protein slice made with sweet potato, or this healthy berry ice cream for the perfect summer dessert. 

Tips for how to make date walnut slice

Ever wondered why you need to soak the dates in boiling water with bicarbonate of soda before adding them to some recipes? This helps soften the dates and makes them easier to blend. The dates are the sugar in this recipe so they need to be fully incorporated in the mix to get a great texture in your slice. 

It’s a good idea when lining the pan for this recipe to use some extra baking paper on the two long sides. Make sure the paper is overhanging the sides. Once the slice is ready to be removed, all you need to do is grab the baking paper and lift it. Don’t skip the 5 minutes of cooling before removing from the pan, though – if you try to take it out too soon, the slice can break and crumble.

Best ways to eat your old-fashioned date and walnut slice

We think the best way to eat a date slice is as is, with a cup of tea for afternoon tea or after dinner. If you struggle with portion control when it comes to sweet snacks, try this idea: once the slice has cooled, cut it into small pieces, individually wrap each portion and freeze. Only defrost one portion at a time – that way you can’t overindulge. Or, if you’re looking to make this a more substantial snack, serve it with Greek yoghurt to increase the protein and help you feel fuller for longer.