Date Cake Squares
Date Cake Squares are moist, flavorful treats packed with chopped dates, prunes, and raisins, offering a rich sweetness accented by warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for those who enjoy hearty, fruit-based desserts, they are ideal for afternoon tea or as a satisfying snack. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped dates, prunes, raisins, and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until tender and water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in margarine; let cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until stiff.
- Spread the cooled fruit mixture evenly in a greased 11 x 7 x 2 inch pan.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the fruit mixture.
- In a bowl, mix flour, Equal packets, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing well.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Bake at 350°F until the cake springs back when lightly touched, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the fruit mixture. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for a richer taste. For a healthier version, you could reduce the number of Equal packets or substitute with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that it may alter the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve date cake squares warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. They pair beautifully with Texas Hot Cocoa Cake for dessert or can be enjoyed as a sweet snack. For a balanced meal, consider serving them alongside Foam Green Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover date cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain moist and soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Cake Squares contains roughly 371 calories, with 4g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% 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 fresh dates instead of dried dates?
Fresh dates will alter the texture and moisture content of the cake. If using fresh dates, ensure they are pitted and chopped finely, and reduce the water slightly to avoid a soggy mixture. Dried dates offer a concentrated sweetness that complements the other dried fruits.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help mimic the structure that gluten provides. This will allow you to enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious cake without sacrificing texture.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut down on the number of Equal packets or substitute them with a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup. You can also increase the amount of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which will enhance the flavor without adding extra sugar.
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).