Delicious Date Cake Recipe
Date cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of dates with a tender, spiced cake base. Often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is perfect for any season, offering a comforting sweetness that isn’t too overwhelming. It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it plain for a simple treat, or dress it up with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
250g dates (use soft, juicy dates, not dry ones)
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1/3 cup (80g) sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup (90g) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Walnuts or almonds for decoration
Directions
Prepare the Dates
Prepare the Dates:
Take 250g of dates, remove the pits, and chop them into quarters. Ensure the dates are soft and juicy.
Place the chopped dates in a frying pan with 1/4 cup of warm milk. Heat it on medium flame until the milk warms up. Let the dates soak in the milk for 20-25 minutes.
Blend the Mixture
Blend the Mixture:
Add 1/2 cup oil and 1/3 cup sugar to a blender. Blend well until the sugar dissolves.
Add the soaked dates and milk mixture to the blender. Blend for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Add the Eggs
Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs to the blender one at a time, blending well after each addition to ensure they are well incorporated.
Prepare the Batter
Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.
Sift 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder together, then gently fold into the date mixture.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix gently to ensure everything is well combined.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a baking pan with oil and line it with butter paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Decorate with walnuts or almonds on top.
Bake the Cake
Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the cake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
If you don’t have an oven, you can use a heavy-bottomed pan on a stove. Preheat the pan, place a trivet, and put the baking pan on top. Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes on low flame.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Slice and serve the cake once it has cooled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee.
Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooking Tips
Use soft, juicy dates for the best texture and flavor.
Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better blending.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Nutritional Benefits
Dates: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Natural Sweetness: This cake uses natural sweetness from dates, reducing the need for added sugar.
Nuts: Walnuts or almonds provide healthy fats and additional nutrients.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with a plant-based alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.