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Old-Fashioned Dark Date Spice Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 81 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 9-inch round cake (serves about 8)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Old-Fashioned Dark Date Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of dates with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Perfectly balanced and tender, it’s a comforting cake ideal for cozy gatherings or a special treat any time of the year. With simple ingredients and classic technique, this cake delivers a nostalgic, rich taste that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Date Mixture

  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
  • 1 cup (150 g) pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Cake Batter

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Soften Dates: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the dates soften and infuse the water.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground allspice, salt, and baking powder ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
  6. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture (including the soaking water). Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
  7. Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the completed batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
  8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs indicating doneness.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve as desired, plain or accompanied by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure the dates are finely chopped for a consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
  • If you prefer, substitute half the unsalted butter with oil for a slightly different texture and moisture.
  • The cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

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Find it online: https://everydaytastykitchen.com/old-fashioned-dark-date-spice-cake-recipe/