Date Cake
By Wafa — 100+ tested recipes
Discover an irresistible, moist, and fragrant date cake, naturally sweetened by the fruit. A comforting and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
- 15 units dates (ideally Medjool)
- 250 ml water
- 200 g flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 60 g walnuts
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1Place the pitted dates in a bowl and pour the hot water over them. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes to soften thoroughly. Add a pinch of cinnamon for aroma.
- 2Pour the dates and all of the soaking water into a blender, then blend until you obtain a smooth, glossy puree.
- 3In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- 4Add the date puree and mix until the batter is smooth. (Stop mixing as soon as the batter is combined to prevent the cake from becoming too dense.)
- 5Fold in the roughly chopped walnuts to add some crunch.
- 6Pour the mixture into a buttered cake tin, then bake at 180°C for 35 to 40 minutes. (The cake should remain moist in the center: monitor the baking progress with a toothpick.)
Video
Tips
- Use a spatula and mix gently to maintain the tender texture.
- Warm up a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving to revive the aromas.
- Avoid storing in the refrigerator as it dries out the sponge.
Substitutions
- hot water → Hot milk (or hazelnut plant-based milk) — Provides more richness and sweetness.
- Medjool dates → Deglet Nour dates (soak for longer) — More common and affordable dates.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the hot water with milk?
Yes, milk will produce an even moister and softer result. It is perfect if you want a taste that is less fruity and more "cake-like".
Which variety of dates is best for this recipe?
Medjool dates are ideal: they are large, very soft, and naturally sweet, which results in a melt-in-your-mouth, fragrant cake.
Can dates be replaced with prunes or figs?
Yes, both work very well—the taste will be slightly different, but the texture will remain soft.
Can I add sugar?
The cake is naturally sweetened by the dates, so there is no need to add any sugar.
What other additions go well with this cake?
Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with dates.
Reviews
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