Chocolate Chip Date Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Chocolate Chip Date Cake offers a rich, moist treat combining the sweetness of dates and chocolate chips with a hint of cocoa. Its hearty texture and deep flavors make it perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy indulgent, fruit-infused baked goods. Ideal for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 small package dates

Instructions

  1. Put chopped dates in 1 cup boiling water and add baking soda; set aside to cool.
  2. Cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix cocoa with flour.
  4. Alternately add flour mixture and date mixture to the butter mixture, then stir in vanilla.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts, then pour into a baking pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have chopped dates, you can substitute with prunes to achieve a similar sweetness and texture. To enhance the chocolate flavor, try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. Make sure the butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Chip Date Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of Creamy Chocolate Frosting for added decadence. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and consider dusting with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. It also makes a great dessert after a hearty meal, like Green And Yellow Rice.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Date Cake contains roughly 905 calories, with 14g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).

905 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14g 28% DV
Total Fat 41.9g 54% DV
Carbs 85.8g 31% DV
Fiber 24.1g 86% DV
Sugar 16.7g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1326.1mg 58% DV
Potassium 1980.4mg 42% DV
Cholesterol 139.6mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 22mg 24% DV
Calcium 158.5mg 12% DV
Iron 10mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. It's often even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

What can I use if I don't have chocolate chips?

If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop up a bar of chocolate or use cocoa nibs for a more intense chocolate flavor. Alternatively, white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips could add a different but delightful twist.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

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).

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