Name: Moist and Flavorful Date Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486409H19M29S
Total time: PT-486409H19M29S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: 📌 1 cup chopped dates; 📌 1 cup boiling water; 📌 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 📌 1 cup granulated sugar; 📌 2 large eggs; 📌 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 📌 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 📌 1 teaspoon baking soda; 📌 1/4 teaspoon salt

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of a perfectly moist date cake that’s sure to impress your loved ones. This decadent recipe is a true delight, blending the natural sweetness of dates with a tender, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert or a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, this moist date cake is the answer to your cravings.

Dates are the star of this show, adding a delightful caramel-like taste and a delectable chewiness to every bite. The combination of the soft, plump dates and the moist, fluffy cake creates a harmonious balance that will have you reaching for seconds. With its simple yet elegant presentation, this date cake is the perfect addition to any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.

Prepare to be enchanted by the aroma of this homemade date cake wafting through your kitchen. The sweet, comforting scent will have your taste buds tingling in anticipation. Get ready to savor every morsel of this irresistible treat and indulge in the pure bliss of a cake that’s truly out of this world.

Essential Ingredients

📌 1 cup chopped dates
📌 1 cup boiling water
📌 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
📌 1 cup granulated sugar
📌 2 large eggs
📌 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
📌 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
📌 1 teaspoon baking soda
📌 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over the chopped dates and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Drain the softened dates and fold them into the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the date cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

📌 Calories: 240
📌 Protein: 3g
📌 Carbohydrates: 39g
📌 Fat: 9g
📌 Saturated Fat: 5g
📌 Fiber: 2g
📌 Sugar: 26g
📌 Sodium: 150mg
📌 Cholesterol: 45mg

Tips for Success

📌 Soak the Dates: Soaking the chopped dates in boiling water helps to soften them and intensify their natural sweetness.
📌 Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
📌 Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. The cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
📌 Allow to Cool Completely: Let the date cake cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure a moist and tender texture.
📌 Customize with Toppings: Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors.

Servings and Timing

📌 Servings: 12 slices
📌 Prep Time: 15 minutes
📌 Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
📌 Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Recipe Variations

📌 Walnut Date Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
📌 Spiced Date Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
📌 Date Nut Loaf: Bake the date cake in a loaf pan instead of a round pan, and add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.

Storage and Reheating

📌 Room Temperature: Store the date cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
📌 Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
📌 Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Indulge in the ultimate date cake experience with this moist and flavorful recipe. The combination of plump, juicy dates and a tender, cake-like texture is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re serving it as a special dessert or enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, this date cake is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a slice of pure bliss!

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why the moist date cake is a must-have in every baker’s repertoire. The easy-to-follow instructions and foolproof techniques ensure that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results. Embrace the natural sweetness of dates and let this delectable cake become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

Indulge, savor, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this extraordinary date cake!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dates instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried dates in this recipe. Just be sure to soak them in the boiling water for a bit longer, about 15-20 minutes, to soften them up before adding to the batter.

Do I need to chop the dates before adding them?

Yes, it’s best to chop the dates into small pieces before adding them to the batter. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the cake and ensures a nice, moist texture.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! This date cake can be made a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It also freezes very well, so you can make it ahead of time and thaw it when you’re ready to serve.

Do I need to use unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter in this recipe, unsalted butter is preferred. This allows you to better control the amount of salt in the cake and ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Can I add nuts to the date cake?

Yes, feel free to fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a delightful crunch and added texture.

How do I know when the date cake is done baking?

The date cake is ready when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also lightly press the top of the cake, and it should spring back gently when done.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.

Do I need to serve the date cake warm?

No, the date cake can be served either warm or at room temperature. Many people enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, but it’s also delicious on its own.