Description
A moist and flavorful cake made with dates and citrus peels, perfect for winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 g (about 7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup or golden syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with the boiling water and baking soda. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes until the dates soften and the mixture cools slightly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Incorporate date mixture: Fold the softened date mixture (with the water) into the batter, along with the orange and lemon zests. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, heat the maple syrup or golden syrup in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, brush the warm syrup over the top to create a glossy glaze.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve it on a simple white plate, and enjoy the rich flavors of dates and citrus peel with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for several days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Date & Peel Winter Syrup Cake, winter cake, dessert, baking