Indulge in the rich and moist goodness of this homemade date cake recipe. Made with a combination of dates, nuts, and warm spices, this cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat. The sweet caramel-like flavor of dates pairs perfectly with the tender cake crumb, creating a delightful dessert that everyone will love. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you can easily bake this delicious date cake at home. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a truly heavenly experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the date mixture and chopped nuts until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the date cake as is, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Interesting Facts
Dates are a great source of dietary fiber and natural sugars, making them a healthier alternative to processed sweeteners.
Date cake is a traditional dessert in many Middle Eastern countries and is often enjoyed during festive celebrations.
The addition of nuts not only adds crunch to the cake but also provides a dose of healthy fats and protein.