Description
Indulge in this moist date cake with a luscious vanilla glaze that’s packed with flavor. Dates provide a natural sweetness and rich caramel-like depth to the cake, while the smooth vanilla glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting treat, this date cake recipe is sure to please. The blend of dates, brown sugar, and walnuts (optional) makes for a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients like butter, flour, eggs, and milk. Prepare this date cake for your next gathering or as a sweet homemade snack, and enjoy the rich, moist texture that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 200g (2 cups) pitted dates, chopped – The star of the cake, providing natural sweetness and rich caramel flavor.
- 240ml (1 cup) milk (whole milk, almond milk, or your preferred choice) – To soak and soften the dates, ensuring a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 113g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness to the cake. You can substitute with olive oil.
- 200g (1 cup) brown sugar – Provides sweetness and a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs – To give structure and moisture to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 190g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour – Forms the base for the cake.
- 5g (½ teaspoon) baking powder – Aids in the cake’s leavening.
- 1g (¼ teaspoon) salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 60g (½ cup) chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds texture and extra flavor.
Instructions
-
Soak the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour 240ml (1 cup) of boiling milk over them. Stir to mix and let the dates soak for 10-15 minutes until softened.
-
Prepare Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter (or olive oil) and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Blend the Dates: Once the dates are softened, blend them into a smooth paste using a hand blender or food processor. Add the date paste into the butter-sugar mixture and stir to combine.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
-
Add Walnuts (Optional): If using, fold the chopped walnuts into the batter.
-
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan (8-inch round or square). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together 120g (1 cup) powdered sugar, 30ml (2 tablespoons) milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Adjust milk as needed for consistency.
-
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil for butter if you prefer a lighter option. Use about ½ cup of olive oil.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to add chopped pecans or skip them altogether.
- Soaking the dates in warm milk helps soften them, making it easier to blend into a smooth paste.
- The vanilla glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Easy date cake, moist date cake, date cake recipe, vanilla glazed date cake, sticky date cake, best date cake, homemade date cake