Description
This Easy Moist Date Cake is a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Bursting with natural sweetness from dates, it features a tender crumb and moist texture that stays fresh for days. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor with minimal added sugar. Versatile and customizable, it can be adapted to dietary needs and enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or oil (for dairy-free option, use coconut oil)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for gluten-free version)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., toasted walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom (for spiced flavor)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Chop the dates into small pieces and place them in a bowl with baking soda. Pour boiling water over the dates to soften them and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to develop a tender texture and rich caramel flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter (or oil) and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, keeping the cake soft and preventing density.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract to create a smooth, aromatic batter base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour (or gluten-free flour) into the wet mixture gently to avoid lumps, then fold carefully to retain a light, airy batter.
- Mix Dates into Batter: Stir the softened dates along with their soaking liquid into the batter. The resulting mixture will be moist and slightly thick, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, plump dates for optimal moisture and natural sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense texture.
- Begin checking the cake at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures vary.
- Choose good-quality, unsalted butter for the richest flavor.
- Allow the date mixture to soak to intensify flavor and softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: date cake, moist cake, easy dessert, quick cake recipe, dairy-free date cake, gluten-free dessert, vegan date cake, moist crumb cake, natural sweetness cake