Ruth'S Date Cake

Prep: 20 min

Ruth's Date Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and a tender crumb. Its rich, caramel-like taste makes it perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. No frosting required, and it keeps well when wrapped and frozen for future enjoyment.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups dates, cut up
  • 2 cups walnut pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soda
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 tablespoons lard or Crisco
  • 2 eggs, beaten lightly
  • water from dates
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Pour boiling water over the dates, walnut pieces, and soda, then let stand.
  2. Cream together sugar and lard or Crisco.
  3. Add the beaten eggs.
  4. Add the water from the dates.
  5. Mix in the flour and salt.
  6. Stir in the dates, nuts, and vanilla.
  7. Do not frost the cake.
  8. Let the cake cool before slicing into small loaf sizes.
  9. Wrap in Saran Wrap, then aluminum foil.
  10. Freeze for storage.
  11. Cut into small gifts and add brightly colored ribbons for presentation.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

675 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 28.7g 37% DV
Carbs 84.6g 31% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 19.1g 38% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9883mg 100% DV
Potassium 510.5mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 92.8mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 9.5mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 110.3mg 8% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

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