Apple Date Cake
A moist and flavorful apple date cake combining fresh apples, sweet dates, and crunchy pecans. Baked to perfection, it's ideal for dessert or tea time, offering a rich, nutty taste with hints of vanilla and a tender crumb. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, cooking oil, vanilla, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the plain flour and soda to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples, chopped dates, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan or two loaf pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a bit of applesauce or substituting half the oil with unsweetened yogurt. If you don't have Stayman Winesap apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp can work well. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. For added texture, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a great option for afternoon gatherings. Consider serving alongside a light salad or cheese platter for a balanced meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Apple Date Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Date Cake contains roughly 706 calories, with 8g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% 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 types of nuts in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred. Each nut will add a unique flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them roughly to maintain some crunch in the cake.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, you can drizzle a simple syrup over the slices or serve it with a sauce, like caramel or a fruit compote. Adding a scoop of ice cream can also help enhance moisture and flavor.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Apple Date Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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).