Moist and Easy Date Cake – Best Quick Dessert Recipe for Any Occasion!

Introduction

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Easy Date Cake, a delightful dessert that is both moist and packed with wholesome goodness. This cake features luscious dates that add natural sweetness and a unique texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a comforting dessert, or simply wanting to enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, this date cake is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just a few straightforward steps, this cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Naturally Sweetened: Dates provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar and making this cake a healthier option.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of dates and spices creates a moist cake with a rich flavor profile.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat, and pair it with coffee or tea.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to tailor the cake to your taste.

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup boiling water
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup granulated sugar
• ✔️ 🔹 2 large eggs
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ✔️ 🔹 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dates

• Soak the Dates: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until softened.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

• Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

• Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).

6. Combine Mixtures

• Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in Dates: Gently fold in the soaked dates (along with any remaining liquid) and chopped nuts, if using.

7. Bake the Cake

• Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

• Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tip: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness!

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate date cake variation.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a spiced version of this cake.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a dairy-free version.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried dates instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried dates; just ensure they are pitted and chopped before using.

What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.

Conclusion

This Easy Date Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the natural sweetness of dates and the warmth of spices in a simple, moist cake. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🍰🌟🍂

Easy Date Cake

Pin Recipe

This Easy Date Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dates with a hint of spice—perfect for any occasion! 🍰✨

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare Dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your Easy Date Cake! ❤️🍽️

• Author: Sara