Sticky Date Slice
This Sticky Date Slice Recipe is soft, rich, and deeply caramel-like, made with soaked dates and topped with a warm butterscotch sauce. It has the texture of a moist cake but is baked in a slice tin, making it easy to cut, serve, and store.
It’s simple to make in one bowl, uses familiar household ingredients, and works just as well for casual baking as it does for serving warm as a dessert.
Honestly, This Is Hard to Stop Eating.
This recipe is so genuinely moreish that it’s hard to stop at one piece. It’s very simple to make, but the texture and flavour feel like something much more indulgent. Sam x
Soft, cake-like texture – Bakes up incredibly moist with a tender crumb that slices cleanly without falling apart.
Rich caramel flavour – The soaked dates melt into the batter, giving that deep, sticky date flavour throughout.
Easy to make, easy to serve – No layering or extra steps — just bake, slice, and pour over the sauce when ready.
Why this recipe works
This sticky date slice bakes up soft, rich, and consistently moist using simple ingredients and a straightforward method:
Moist, tender texture
The soaked dates and their liquid create a soft, cake-like crumb that stays moist for days.
Balanced sweetness
Brown sugar and dates work together for depth without being overly sweet.
Reliable, simple method
Everything comes together in one bowl with minimal mixing, making it easy to get right every time.
Ingredients you’ll need
Chopped Pitted Dates
Dates provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature sticky texture. You can also use fresh medjool dates, just remember to remove the pits before soaking them.
Boiling Water
Softens the dates and becomes part of the batter for extra moisture.
Light Brown Sugar
Adds caramel flavour and richness to the slice.
Butter + Olive Oil
Create a soft, moist crumb with balanced richness.
Egg
Binds the batter and gives structure for clean slicing.
All-Purpose Flour
Forms the base with a soft, tender texture.
Baking Soda + Baking Powder
Help the slice rise and stay light.
Thickened Cream (Heavy Cream)
Creates a smooth, rich butterscotch sauce.
Butter (for the sauce)
Adds richness and helps the sauce set slightly as it cools.
Light Brown Sugar (for the sauce)
Gives that deep butterscotch flavour and sweetness.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel notes.
How to make sticky date slice
Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, cover the dried pitted dates with the boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Whisk the sugar, melted butter, oil and the egg directly into the softened dates with the soaking liquid.
Step 3: Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda and whisk until incorporated, ensuring not to over-mix.
Step 4: Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the slice to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: In a saucepan, simmer the cream, butter, and brown sugar for 5 minutes, stirring, then remove from heat and stir in the salt. Let the sauce cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a heatproof jug and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until thickened but still pourable
Step 6: Pour over the cooled slice, spread evenly, and let it sit until the sauce sets neatly on top before slicing.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great addition. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
How to store
Store: In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.
Try these recipes next
Wondering what else to do with dates?
Sticky Date Slice
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 356ºF (180ºC) fan-forced. Grease a 11 x 7-inch (20cm x 30cm) brownie pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. For non-stick pans, lightly grease with butter, line the base with parchment and dust a light layer of flour on the sides. Set aside.
- Prepare Dates: In a large mixing bowl, add chopped dates and cover them with the boiling water. Let them stand for 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the sugar, melted butter and oil directly into the bowl with the softened dates and their soaking liquid, do not drain the soaking liquid.
- Add Egg: Whisk the egg into the mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda and whisk until incorporated, ensuring not to over-mix.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the slice to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the butterscotch sauce.
- Make Butterscotch Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, butter, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
- Cool & Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce cool in the saucepan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a heatproof jug. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens to a pourable consistency.
- Pour Over the Slice: Pour the thickened sauce over the cooled slice and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. For easiest cleanup, place the slice on a wire rack with a tray underneath to catch any excess.
- Set & Serve: Let the sauce set before slicing so it sits neatly on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!