Description
A moist and flavorful cake made with dates and warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 cup (150 g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground allspice, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture (including the water). Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- 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.
- Once cooled, slice the cake and serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- The flavors improve over time; make it a day in advance for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Dark Date Spice Cake