Description
This Molasses Date Cake with Orange Syrup is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines rich molasses and sweet dates, topped with a refreshing orange syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- 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 medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the boiling water. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake 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. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange syrup over the top. Slice and serve with extra syrup on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, along with the dates.
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Molasses Date Cake, Orange Syrup, Dessert, Baking