'32 Ford Polka Dot Cake
A moist, flavorful chocolate date cake featuring chopped dates, chocolate chips, and nuts, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to chocolate lovers and those seeking a rich treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped dates and hot water; set aside to cool.
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs; beat until fluffy.
- Sift together flour, soda, and salt.
- Add to creamed mixture alternately with date mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
- Spread batter in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Top with the remaining chocolate chips and chopped nut meats.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white. If you’re out of butter, margarine works just as well. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can omit the chopped nuts altogether or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Make sure the dates are pitted before chopping to avoid any unpleasant bites. Sifting the flour helps ensure a lighter cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve it alongside the Basic Recipe For Cream Pies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of '32 Ford Polka Dot Cake contains roughly 300 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits like figs, apricots, or raisins. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes for even distribution in the cake. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. To prevent this, mix just until combined and avoid packing the flour when measuring. Adding a touch more baking soda or ensuring your ingredients are fresh can also help achieve a lighter texture.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add cocoa powder to the batter or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones. You might also consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving for an indulgent finish that chocoholics will love.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).