Date Nut & Seed Slice

Prep time: 40 minutes (includes date soaking)
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 12–15 pieces

---

INGREDIENTS

220g FreshLife Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
2 tsp instant coffee powder
70g FreshLife Californian Walnut Pieces
70g FreshLife Natural Almonds, roughly chopped
28g FreshLife Desiccated Coconut
50g FreshLife Sunflower Seeds
3 tbsp FreshLife Sesame Seeds
2 tbsp smooth almond butter
25g FreshLife Ground Almonds
1 large pinch sea salt flakes

Chocolate Topping
250g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp FreshLife 4 Seed Mix 

---

METHOD

1. Place the roughly chopped dates into a bowl with the instant coffee. Cover with boiling water and set aside for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Line a standard loaf tin (approx. 23cm x 11cm) with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

3. Spread the walnut pieces and chopped almonds on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 5 minutes.

4. Add the desiccated coconut, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds to the same tray. Bake for another 3–4 minutes until the seeds are fragrant and the coconut is golden. Watch closely so the coconut doesn't burn.

5. Carefully drain the soaked dates over a bowl, reserving the coffee liquid. Add the almond butter to the dates and mash vigorously with a fork or a wooden spoon until it forms a thick, smooth, glossy paste. (Tip: If the paste is too thick to blend, add 1–2 teaspoons of the reserved coffee liquid).

6. Fold the toasted nut and seed mix, ground almonds, and sea salt flakes into the date paste. Stir until completely incorporated.

7. Firmly press the mixture into the base of your lined loaf tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon to create an even, tightly packed layer.

8. Place the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until completely smooth and melted.

9. Pour the melted chocolate over the base. While the chocolate is still wet, scatter the FreshLife 4 Seed Mix across the top.

10. Refrigerate for 4–6 hours until completely firm. Pop the slice out using the baking paper overhang, and use a hot, sharp knife to cut it into pieces.