Palestinian Fasting Cake
A traditional Palestinian fasting cake featuring dates, warm spices, and a moist texture, perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat during fasting periods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, shortening, dates or raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Bring to a boil and cook together for 3 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Dissolve the baking soda and salt in 2 teaspoons of water.
- Add the salt and baking soda mixture to the fruit mixture.
- Gradually add the flour while mixing to form a batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding an extra tablespoon of water to the fruit mixture. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. For added flavor, try mixing in chopped nuts or using chopped dried apricots instead of dates or raisins. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This Palestinian Fasting Cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess. For a festive touch, pair it with Gluehwein (German Mulled Wine) during gatherings. It also makes a great snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Palestinian Fasting Cake contains roughly 645 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2413mg per serving (105% 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, this cake keeps well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it at room temperature or warm it slightly for a cozy treat.
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).