Moroccan Date & Walnut Slice: A Taste of North African Comfort

Moroccan Date & Walnut Slice

There are some recipes that more than satisfy a sweet craving-they tell a story. This Moroccan Date and Walnut Slice is one of them. On a recent trip to Fez in Morocco, we were privileged to have tea with a Moroccan family. It was a lovely experience learning about Moroccan culture and traditions. More importantly, tasting the true flavours of Morocco.

The Moroccan Date and Walnut Slice was one of the sweets served with refreshing Mint tea.

Inspired by the rich flavours of Morocco, this easy to make slice combines the natural sweetness of dates, crunchy walnuts and warm spices to create a treat that’s wholesome. Every bite instantly transports you to a bustling Moroccan market or in my case, tea with a Moroccan family.

Dates have long been treasured in Moroccan cuisine. They symbolise hospitality and are often shared during celebrations and family gatherings. With walnuts they create a beautiful balance of sweetness and nuttiness that Moroccans love.

Simple ingredients, timeless flavours and a touch of Moroccan warmth- this Date and Walnut Slice is proof that the best recipes are often the ones rooted in tradition and made with love.

What you need to make Moroccan Date and Walnut Slice

• Dates – pitted and roughly chopped, then soaked in hot water and baking soda to soften
• Walnuts – roasted walnuts is best for maximum flavour and crunch
• Pantry and Fridge Staples – Brown Sugar,Self Raising Flour, Cinnamon,Vanilla, Egg and Butter

Easy does it…

• Add boiling water and baking soda to the chopped dates and set aside
• Combine brown sugar and cooled melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix in beaten egg vanilla and cinnamon.
• Add self raising flour, chopped walnuts and drained dates to the bowl and use a spatula to mix until just combined.
• Tip mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out with the back of a spoon. If desired, scatter some extra chopped walnuts on the top.
• Bake for about 45 minutes or until the centre of the cake springs back when pressed.
• Cool and slice into desired size.
  

Moroccan Date and Walnut Slice

Recipe by Lola Adele

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: Moroccan, GlobalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 125 g Butter, melted and cooled

• 125 g Pitted Dates, roughly chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar

• 1 Egg,beaten

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, ground

• 1 1/4 cups Self Raising Flour

• 125 g Walnuts, roughly chopped

Directions

• Place chopped pitted dates in a small bowl, then add baking soda and enough boiling water to cover. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 160C fan forced. Line a 23x23cm square baking pan(or 21cm x27cm slice pan) with baking paper. Set aside.
• Combine cooled melted butter with brown sugar. Add beaten egg, vanilla, cinnamon and mix until just combined.
• Drain dates and discard liquid.
• Add flour walnuts and drained dates to the mix in step 3 and use a spatula to blend until smooth.
• Place the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with the back of a spoon. Bake in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until done. The centre of the cake will spring back when lightly pressed.
• Cool in the pan. Use the baking paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan and into a chopping board. Cut into squares or bars approximately 12 slices.
• Store in covered container at room temperature. This will keep for about a week.