Date Nut Cake
A rich, moist date nut cake packed with chopped dates and pecans, offering a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla. Perfect for dessert or teatime, it appeals to fans of dense, flavorful baked goods and those who enjoy a combination of sweet fruit and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sugar and butter together and let cool.
- Roll chopped dates in flour.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the cooled sugar and butter mixture.
- Stir in the floured dates gradually.
- Mix in chopped pecans.
- Bake the cake at 250°F (120°C) for 2.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider soaking the chopped dates in warm water or coffee for about 10 minutes before rolling them in flour. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. Additionally, you can reduce the sugar by a quarter if you prefer a less sweet cake. Remember to keep a close eye on the baking time, as every oven can vary.
Serving Suggestions
This Date Nut Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also complements coffee or tea perfectly, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Nut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them gently in the microwave or oven to restore their moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Nut Cake contains roughly 803 calories, with 8g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 8g 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
Can I use other types of nuts in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely to blend well with the cake's texture.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your Date Nut Cake turns out dry, try serving it with a sauce, such as a warm caramel or chocolate sauce, to add moisture. You can also serve it with whipped cream to enhance its richness.
Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
To make a healthier version of the Date Nut Cake, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar by half. You can also replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for moisture without the added fat.
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).