Date Cake Quickie
A rich, moist date cake with chocolate and walnuts, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings. Its deep flavors and tender crumb suit all chocolate and date lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the chopped dates and let cool.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and soda until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- Mix in the flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13x9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and chocolate bits over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Medjool dates, which are sweeter and more caramel-like. If walnuts aren't available, pecans make a great substitute. Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar. To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter. This Date Cake Quickie is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this date cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You can also enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a twist, try serving it alongside some Crunchy Goodies for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover date cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Cake Quickie contains roughly 391 calories, with 9g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cake dry. Keep an eye on it after the 25-minute mark to ensure it doesn't overcook.
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).