Spiced Date Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, spiced date cake featuring warm cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, complemented by crunchy walnuts. Perfect for dessert or teatime with a comforting flavor profile.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Pour the boiling water over the chopped dates and baking soda, then let stand.
  2. Mix together the sugar, butter, eggs, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add the soaked dates and soda mixture to the creamed ingredients.
  4. Beat in the flour and chopped walnuts until the batter is smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until done to the touch.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute chopped pecans for walnuts if desired. Ensure the dates are fresh for the best texture; if they are hard, soak them in the boiling water a bit longer. For an added twist, incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the spice profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Date Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra touch, serve it alongside Chocolate Gravy(Over 65 Years Old) for a unique dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Spiced Date Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for about a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spiced Date Cake contains roughly 789 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

789 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 70.5g 90% DV
Carbs 40g 15% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 8.4g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1062.8mg 46% DV
Potassium 283.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 185.8mg 62% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Calcium 157.7mg 12% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 other dried fruits instead of dates?

Yes, you can substitute chopped dried apricots or figs for dates. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Make sure to adjust the moisture level accordingly, as some fruits are drier than others.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with the cake's structure. The texture may differ slightly, but it should still be delicious.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

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).

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