Description
Irresistible Date Cake brings Middle Eastern warmth to dessert tables with sweet, caramelized fruit and tender crumb. Rich spices and moist texture invite you to savor each delectable bite of this comforting classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package of chopped, pitted dates
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup coarse sparkling sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking pan by coating with nonstick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Pour boiling water over dates in a heat-safe bowl, then stir in baking soda. Allow the mixture to rest and cool for approximately 20 minutes, observing potential slight bubbling.
- Cream shortening and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, then gently fold in the softened date mixture until well combined.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Gently fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar across the top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
Notes
- Ensure dates are pitted and chopped finely for smooth texture and even distribution throughout the cake.
- Use room temperature eggs to help them blend more evenly and create a lighter cake crumb.
- Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for varied flavor and texture profiles.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 348 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg