Date Cake

This date cake recipe is a moist and flavorful dessert made with soft Medjool dates, olive oil, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is naturally sweetened with dates and topped with rich date syrup for added sweetness. It’s an easy-to-make, wholesome dessert that’s ideal for family gatherings or a special treat. With its tender texture and simple ingredients, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (9 ounces) Medjool pitted dates
• 1 ¼ cups hot milk
• Cooking spray
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Date syrup for topping (about ¼ cup)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with hot milk. Let the dates soak for about 1 hour to soften.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides with cooking spray.
3. Blend the Dates: After the dates have softened, transfer them along with the milk to a blender or food processor. Blend for 15 seconds until smooth. Add the eggs, olive oil, and vanilla extract, and blend again for 5-8 seconds until combined.
4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the blended date mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Flip the cake out of the pan, peel off the parchment paper, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slowly pour the date syrup over the warm cake, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
8. Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or allow it to cool completely. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This date cake is a moist and flavorful dessert, perfectly balanced with natural sweetness from the dates. The cake has a tender texture, and the date syrup adds an irresistible rich sweetness. It’s a simple yet elegant cake that’s perfect for any occasion and pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips

• Soaking Dates: Soaking the dates in hot milk helps to soften them, making the cake’s texture moist and tender.
• Check for Doneness: Be sure to check the cake with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark to ensure it’s fully baked. The cake should have a slight bounce when gently pressed.
• Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before removing it to avoid it breaking apart.

Variations and Substitutions

• Olive Oil Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute olive oil with another oil, such as vegetable oil or melted butter, for a slightly different flavor.
• Add Nuts: To add extra texture, mix in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the batter.
• Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version of this cake.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of dates? Medjool dates work best for this cake as they are soft and naturally sweet. However, you can use other dates, just ensure they are pitted and softened before blending.
• Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, this cake stores well at room temperature for a couple of days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to a week if desired.
• How do I make my own date syrup? To make date syrup, simmer pitted dates with water until they break down, then strain and reduce the liquid until it becomes syrupy.

Serving

This date cake is perfect for serving as a dessert for tea parties, gatherings, or as a comforting treat after dinner. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Suggestions

• Pair with Tea or Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The rich flavor of the dates complements the depth of these beverages.
• Serve with Fresh Cream or Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.