Date cake is a delicious dessert perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or as a light treat with tea or coffee. In addition to its rich flavor, date cake is packed with nutritional benefits, thanks to dates being a great source of fiber and minerals. Today, we bring you a special recipe that is simply irresistible for date lovers.
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
A pinch of salt
1 cup very hot water
200 g dates (pitted and finely chopped)
½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
1 tablespoon flour (for dusting the pan)
Walnuts (coarsely chopped, optional, for garnish)
Ready-made toffee sauce (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Steps
In a bowl, place the chopped dates and pour over the very hot water. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until the dates soften and absorb the water.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the brown sugar until light and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla and mix.
Stir in the date-and-water mixture until fully combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or hand whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, garnish with chopped walnuts and drizzle with toffee sauce if desired.
