Let me tell you about my love for Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake! This cake is like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with cozy spices and the rich sweetness of dates and treacle. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen and drew everyone in, making it impossible to resist! Each bite is a delightful blend of moist texture and bold flavors, and trust me, the glaze takes it to a whole new level of yum. It’s become a staple in my home, perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat after dinner. I can’t help but smile every time I slice into it, revealing its beautiful, spiced interior. You’ve got to try this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake. I promise, these ingredients come together to create a wonderfully spiced and moist cake that you’ll love!
- 200 grams (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 125 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) packed brown sugar
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) treacle (or molasses)
- 2 large eggs
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the glaze: 100 grams (1/2 cup) treacle (or molasses)
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
Feel free to gather everything ahead of time so you can dive right into the mixing and baking—trust me, you won’t want to wait too long before enjoying this amazing cake!
How to Prepare Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake that fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
- First things first, grab a bowl and toss in those chopped pitted dates along with the baking soda. Now, pour the boiling water over them and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This softens the dates and helps them blend beautifully into the cake.
- While the dates are soaking, it’s time to preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Don’t skip this step! Proper preheating ensures your cake bakes evenly. Also, grease and line a rectangular baking pan (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper—this makes for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually beat them together for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air to the mixture, which helps give your cake that delightful texture.
- Now, mix in the treacle until it’s well combined. Then, crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This is crucial for a smooth batter!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and baking powder. This mix is where all that lovely spice comes from!
- Once your dates are soaked and softened, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked dates and the water they were in. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this point.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Wow, the smell is going to be incredible!
- While the cake is baking, let’s whip up the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the treacle, butter, and milk, stirring until smooth. This glaze will take your cake to the next level, trust me!
- Once your cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While it’s still warm, pour that luscious glaze over the top, letting it soak in. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Now, get ready to enjoy a slice of this moist, spiced goodness—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps it cream better with the sugar for that fluffy texture we crave. If you find your dates are a bit tough, soaking them longer won’t hurt—just let them sit until they’re nice and soft. And don’t rush the mixing! Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. Also, keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Finally, let that glaze soak in while the cake is warm for the best flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake! Here are a few that I think you’ll adore:
- Quick to prepare: With just a handful of simple steps, you can have this cake in the oven in no time!
- Incredible flavor: The combination of warm spices and the natural sweetness from dates makes every bite a delight.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the soaked dates and treacle, this cake stays wonderfully moist, even days later.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different nuts or spices, making it a cake you can make again and again with new twists.
- Perfect for sharing: This slab cake is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoying a cozy slice at home.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake! For a bit of a twist, try adding some chopped orange or lemon zest to the batter for a burst of citrusy freshness. You could also mix in dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for an extra layer of flavor and texture. If you want to give it a nutty crunch, pecans or almonds work beautifully; just toast them lightly for an enhanced taste!
Feeling chocolatey? Consider folding in some dark chocolate chips for a rich surprise in every bite. And for those who love a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your cake an unexpected kick! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make this cake your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake, storing it properly is key to keeping it delicious. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before wrapping it up tight! I like to place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, but if you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Trust me, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
If you find yourself with leftovers and want to enjoy a slice later, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to gently warm it up. You can also enjoy it cold—it’s scrumptious either way! Just keep that glaze nice and shiny, and you’re all set for a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake, you might be curious about what’s in it! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per slice, just to give you an idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
These values are estimates, and actual nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, with all those wholesome dates and spices, it’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in every now and then!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?
While dried dates are best for this recipe due to their concentrated sweetness, you can use fresh dates. Just remember to reduce the liquid slightly since fresh dates contain more moisture!
What if I don’t have treacle?
If you can’t find treacle, molasses is a great substitute! It’ll give you a similar rich flavor that works beautifully in this cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best results.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying a slice.
I hope these answers help you on your baking adventure with this delightful slab cake!
Print
Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake: 7 Cozy Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert packed with spices and sweetness from dates and treacle.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 125 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) treacle (or molasses)
- 2 large eggs
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the glaze: 100 grams (1/2 cup) treacle (or molasses)
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking pan (approximately 9×13 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the treacle until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked dates (including the water). Stir until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by melting the treacle, butter, and milk together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve it on a simple white plate, and enjoy the moist, spiced flavors of this delightful slab cake.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the dry ingredients.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake, dessert, cake, baking