Description
Clove-Spiced Date & Treacle Slab Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert packed with spices and sweetness from dates and treacle.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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