Description
This Vegan Date Caramel Slice with Nuts Crumble is an easy, gluten-free dessert that combines a rich, spiced date caramel filling with a crunchy oat and almond crumble topping. Perfect for a wholesome treat, it’s made without dairy or refined sugars, resulting in a naturally sweet, vegan-friendly slice that’s ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Date Caramel Filling
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 cup pitted dates (tightly packed)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch salt
Nuts Crumble
- ¾ cup vegan butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup + 2 tbsp plain gluten-free flour
- ¾ cup oat flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp allspice or mixed spice (or pumpkin spice)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp flaked almonds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 356°F (180°C) using the fan oven setting to prepare for baking the slice.
- Prepare Date Filling: Place the dates and water in a small pan. Add the cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the dates soften. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Optionally, use a hand blender to blend the mixture until smooth for an even caramel texture.
- Mix Crumble Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the crumble—gluten-free flour, oat flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Butter to Crumble: Incorporate the vegan butter into the dry mixture using your hands. Massage the butter into the mixture until it has a crumbly texture with no visible large dry flour spots.
- Form Base Layer: Line a baking tray with baking paper. Spoon approximately three-quarters of the crumble mixture onto the tray and press it down firmly and evenly using your fingers to create a compact base layer.
- Spread Date Filling: Evenly spread the prepared date caramel filling over the pressed base layer with a silicone spatula or spoon, ensuring coverage to the edges and corners for uniform taste and texture.
- Add Topping Crumble and Almonds: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the date layer. Top with flaked almonds, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the slice from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the layers to set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can blend the date mixture to your preferred texture—smooth or slightly chunky—to suit your taste.
- Use gluten-free oats if cooking for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Make sure to press down the base layer firmly to prevent the slice from crumbling when serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This slice can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Feel free to substitute flaked almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
