Imagine a cake so irresistibly moist, so warmly spiced, that it transforms an ordinary moment into a culinary celebration. This Date and Cinnamon Cake is more than just a dessert - it's a slice of pure comfort that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dates with the warm, aromatic embrace of cinnamon. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a heavenly homemade delight, this recipe promises to be your new go-to indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Sprinkle baking soda over the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes. The dates will soften and create a thick, syrupy consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Tips
- Date Preparation: Ensure your dates are fresh and pitted. Chopping them finely helps them distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Take out butter, eggs, and other refrigerated ingredients 30 minutes before baking to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Moisture Check: The boiling water and baking soda trick with dates creates a unique, ultra-moist texture. Don't skip this step!
- Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature, as variations can affect baking time and cake quality.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to help it set and maintain its structure.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate it to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
