I’m not going to lie, this slice is not the prettiest thing I’ve ever shared here on the blog, but it sure is tasty! This gooey date fudge slice is deceptively healthy, it’s free from flour and added sugar and is both vegan and gluten free. It might be slightly messy to eat, but it’s worth it, I promise!
It also only takes a few minutes to whip up as well, although you do need to plan ahead as it needs a good amount of time in the refrigerator to set. I like to whip it up at night and have it ready to go the next morning so I can take a slice to work to help me through the mid-arvo slump!
The recipe is one I slightly adapted from this one on Taste. I use a larger pan than they suggest (I use a standard slice pan), making the pieces thinner because I find it can be a bit overly sweet if you have too large a slice. There’s turn out a bit prettier as a result, but I’m all about flavour round these parts!
Ingredients List
- 80g pistachios
- 500g dates
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- Juice and zest of an orange
- 3/4 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs
- Extra cacao powder to dust
Steps
- Lightly toast the pistachios and set aside
- Combine dates, cacao powder, oil, orange juice and zest in a food processor and blitz until smooth and combined
- Roughly chop the pistachios and add to the date mix with the cranberries and cacao nibs and fold through to combine
- Line a tray with baking paper and sprinkle with cacao powder
- Spoon in the date mixture, press to the edges and smooth the top
- Refrigerate for 8-hours (or overnight) and then cut into pieces
If you’re using packaged dates rather than fresh ones then a good tip is to pop them in some hot water for 10 minutes to let them soften before draining the water off and putting them in the food processor. It helps your food processor not have to do as much work and they combine with the other ingredients much easier as well.
I do recommend that you don’t try and eat this on the run, it really is quite gooey so can get rather messy! It is delicious though, so don’t let that put you off! I love the crunch of the pistachios in here, they add a great little texture change which I always appreciate in pretty much all my food! Plus, it’s healthy and it doesn’t taste like it so that’s always a win as well!
What have you been cooking lately? Fancy giving this gooey date fudge slice a try?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
November 16, 2015 at 6:46 am (8 years ago)Oh I love cooking with dates!! They make everything taste like you’re eating a really naughty treat – but they’re actually healthy! I’ll have to give this slice a go next time. Haha I know what you mean about not so pretty things! I made chow mein for the blog once… that is HARD to make look nice!!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted…Clinkers Rocky Road
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 16, 2015 at 6:24 pm (8 years ago)So hard! I’m no great photographer at the best of times, but I just kept telling myself it’s the flavour that counts! xx
merilyn
November 16, 2015 at 7:50 am (8 years ago)thankyou! … oh yes please liz!
everything yummy in the way of sweet treats!
and healthy! only way to go!
enjoy your day lovely one! … m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 16, 2015 at 6:25 pm (8 years ago)Thanks lovely, hope you’re having a wonderful week xx
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry
November 21, 2015 at 5:46 am (8 years ago)Oh yum, these sound fantastic Liz, and honestly don’t look ugly at all!! 🙂 I love anything with dates and am always looking for refined sugar free recipes. Thanks for this one!
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry recently posted…Parmesan Sesame Crackers
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 21, 2015 at 3:10 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Lisa!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make
November 24, 2015 at 6:09 pm (8 years ago)Ooh date slices are just the best! This looks so good 🙂
Lauren @ Create Bake Make recently posted…Planning the perfect Christmas Party
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
November 28, 2015 at 12:25 pm (8 years ago)Thanks Lauren, it’s hard to believe they are relatively healthy too!