Westhaven Cake
Westhaven Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring sweet dates, cocoa, and nut meats, topped with melted German sweet chocolate and served with whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, it combines classic flavors with a tender crumb that appeals to chocolate and fruit lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour hot water over the dates and soda and let cool.
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Add well-beaten eggs, vanilla, cocoa, sifted flour, and nut meats to the creamed mixture.
- Sprinkle small pieces of German sweet chocolate on top of the batter.
- Bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve the cake topped with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can replace the German sweet chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate if needed. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Westhaven Cake warm, topped with a generous amount of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of healthful Mushroom Potatoes for a delightful contrast. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Westhaven Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. If the cake seems dry, a dollop of whipped cream can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Westhaven Cake contains roughly 522 calories, with 15g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 21g 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of dates?
If you don't have dates, you can use dried figs or prunes as a substitute. Both will provide a similar sweetness and moisture to the cake. Just chop them into small pieces, and they can be used in equal amounts.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the Westhaven Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring a delicious cake for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).