Description
A moist and flavorful cake made with dates and warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (75g) walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the soaked dates and chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the cake and serve it plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for an extra touch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This cake pairs well with tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Country Date Pantry Cake, date cake, dessert, baking