Description
Rustic Date & Orange Syrup Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of dates with the brightness of orange.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 grams (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 115 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 190 grams (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) water (for syrup)
- Zest of 1 orange (for syrup)
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice (for syrup)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until the dates soften and the mixture cools slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture (including the liquid). Mix until just combined. Fold in the orange zest and juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, combine the sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or toothpick and pour the warm orange syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve it on a simple white plate with extra syrup drizzled around it.
Notes
- For added flavor, include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans in the batter.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; the flavors will deepen as it sits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Rustic Date & Orange Syrup Cake, Date Cake, Orange Cake, Dessert Recipe