Description
A delicious Sticky Date & Cardamom Citrus Traybake perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 g (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 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Zest of additional citrus fruits, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray (approximately 20 x 30 cm or 8 x 12 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with the boiling water and baking soda. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften the dates.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, orange zest, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with additional citrus zest if desired. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
- Serve as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- This traybake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Sticky Date, Cardamom, Citrus, Traybake, Dessert