Orange Slice - Date Cake
A moist and flavorful date cake infused with orange zest and chopped candy slices, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and citrusy brightness. Perfect for tea parties, dessert tables, or casual gatherings, this cake appeals to those who enjoy rich, fruity flavors with a hint of citrus aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan as needed.
- Mix the ingredients in the order given: first the butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the grated orange rind, chopped nuts, chopped dates, buttermilk, and orange juice.
- Add the flour, soda, and chopped orange candy slices, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter. You can substitute half of the chopped nuts with chocolate chips for a different twist. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Ensure the chopped dates are well-coated in flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Slice - Date Cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Deviled Baked Beans at your next gathering to create a balanced menu that showcases both sweet and savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which will keep it fresh for about a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Slice - Date Cake contains roughly 581 calories, with 11g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 3g 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 different types of nuts in this cake?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests chopped nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the cake.
What can I substitute for orange candy slices?
If you can't find orange candy slices, you can use candied citrus peel or even dried apricots for a fruity flavor. Just chop them into small pieces to mimic the texture of the candy slices in the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the baking soda and any added flavorings, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
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).