Orange-Date Cake
A rich and moist orange-date cake bursting with sweet dates, tangy orange slices, and crunchy nuts, perfect for festive gatherings or teatime indulgence. Its vibrant flavors and hearty texture make it a delightful treat for those who love fruit-filled baked goods with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Mix soda with buttermilk and add to the batter alternately with flour.
- Stir in chopped dates, chopped orange slices, and chopped nuts (dust with a small amount of flour).
- Add coconut to the mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 300°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Chopped dried apricots can replace dates for a different flavor. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. Dusting the dates and nuts with flour prevents them from sinking in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s delightful with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great afternoon treat. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a light salad, like Pineapple-Lime Salad, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Orange-Date Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Date Cake contains roughly 1074 calories, with 15g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 oranges instead of candy orange slices?
Yes, you can use fresh oranges, but you'll need to adjust the sugar content since fresh oranges are less sweet. Zest the oranges for added flavor and use the chopped flesh in place of the candy. This will give a more natural citrus flavor to the cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Orange-Date Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. Adjust baking time as needed.
Is it necessary to use nuts in this recipe?
Nuts add texture and flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free cake. If desired, replace nuts with additional chopped dates or orange slices for a different texture. Always ensure your substitutions align with dietary preferences.
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).