Marcilla'S Elegant Cake
A rich, moist cake featuring the deep flavor of dates and chocolate chips, perfect for dessert or a special teatime treat for chocolate lovers and date enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the dates and boiling water in a bowl; let sit until the dates are soft.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the date mixture and stir well.
- Cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the salt and 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Add the flour and the date mixture alternately, starting and ending with the flour, mixing after each addition.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a more traditional taste. If you don't have dates, chopped prunes can work as a substitute. Make sure to let the date mixture sit long enough for the flavors to meld; this helps enhance the cake's moisture and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. To elevate your dessert experience, serve it alongside a cup of Creamy Hot Chocolate Mix for a comforting treat. It also makes a wonderful addition to a dessert table or as a sweet treat for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a delicious snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marcilla'S Elegant Cake contains roughly 1353 calories, with 14g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this cake a day in advance. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to develop further, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you're looking for alternatives to chocolate chips, consider using chopped nuts for added crunch or dried fruit for extra sweetness. You can also try white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile that complements the dates beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use a plant-based shortening.
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).