Description
Old-Fashioned Ginger Date Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of dates with warm spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200 g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 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 ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften the dates.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- 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 a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the dates: Gently fold the date mixture (including the water) into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: 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.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve it on a simple white plate. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the batter.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 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: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Ginger Date Cake, Old-Fashioned Cake, Dessert Recipe