New Haven Cake
A rich, moist date and chocolate cake with nuts and chocolate chips, perfect for gatherings and those who love indulgent, flavorful desserts with a hint of cocoa and vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour hot water over dates and soda; set aside to cool.
- Cream oleo and sugar.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Sift together flour and cocoa; add alternately with cooled date mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Add vanilla and mix well.
- Pour batter into an 8 x 12-inch greased pan.
- Top with chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter can be a good substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure that the dates are pitted before use. You can also experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, you could even serve it with a side of Candied Sweet Potatoes Or Carrots for a well-rounded meal or dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover New Haven Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until slightly heated, to enhance the flavors. It can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Haven Cake contains roughly 413 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 fresh dates instead of packaged ones?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but you'll need to chop them and may want to soak them in hot water longer to soften them. Make sure to pit them before adding to the batter. This might alter the flavor slightly, making it even more natural and fresh.
Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake’s structure. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Can I add more chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! If you're a chocolate lover, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips to your liking. Just be mindful that too many may affect the cake's structure and moisture, so balance is key for the 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).