Description

This Indulgent Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce Delight is a comforting and richly flavored dessert perfect for cozy evenings. Combining the natural sweetness of soaked dates, fresh apples, warm spices, and a luscious butter sauce, this cake offers a moist texture with a depth of flavor that delights every bite. The optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, making it an unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups Pitted Dates, chopped (Substitute with chopped dried apricots or figs for a different flavor.)
2 cups Boiling Water (Used to soak the dates, enhancing their softness.)
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened (Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.)
1 cup Brown Sugar, packed (Adjust down for a less sweet cake or use coconut sugar.)
3 large Eggs (For a vegan version, replace with flax eggs.)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend.)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (Try adding nutmeg for a different touch.)
1 teaspoon Salt
3 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Use a mix of tart and sweet apples.)
1 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional) (Omit for a nut-free option.)

Butter Sauce Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter (Melt for a rich finish.)
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Heavy Cream (Can use coconut cream for a non-dairy option.)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

Soak Dates: Place the chopped pitted dates in a bowl and pour over 2 cups of boiling water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened, which helps to naturally sweeten and moisten the cake.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 3 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
Add Soaked Dates and Apples: Drain the soaked dates, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the dates finely if needed and fold them into the batter along with the diced apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and flavor.
Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch or 8-inch square cake pan. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.
Make Butter Sauce: While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling. Slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Once the cake is slightly cooled, cut into 8–8 slices and serve warm. Pour generous amounts of the butter sauce over each slice for a decadent finish.

Notes

Substitute chopped dried apricots or figs for dates for a different fruity flavor.
Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to make a vegan-friendly version.
For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Adjust brown sugar quantity as preferred to reduce sweetness.
Nuts can be omitted to accommodate nut allergies.
Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream to make the sauce dairy-free.
Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.