Old Southern Date Cake
Old Southern Date Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring sweet dates, crunchy nut meats, and a tender crumb, perfect for comforting gatherings or afternoon tea. Its caramel-like sweetness and nutty flavor make it a nostalgic treat for those who enjoy traditional Southern baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Add nut meats and vanilla last.
- Pour the batter into a loaf pan.
- Bake in a slow oven (275°F) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal texture, chop the dates into smaller pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the cake. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Be sure to check the baking powder for freshness; expired baking powder can lead to a dense cake. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this cake warm, perhaps with a dollop of Sour Cream Icing for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert platter, consider adding Homemade Salad Dressing and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week. To reheat, slice and warm in an oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Southern Date Cake contains roughly 1118 calories, with 9g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% 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 unsweetened dried dates instead of seeded dates?
Yes, you can use unsweetened dried dates. Just chop them finely and consider adding a bit more sugar to the recipe since they might be less sweet than seeded dates.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, try adding a simple syrup to moisten it. You can make this by simmering equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then brush it over the cake slices.
Can I freeze this cake for later?
Absolutely! This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).