Date Cake

There’s something magical about a freshly baked Date Cake wafting through the house, isn’t there? I remember the first time I made this cake. It was a chilly afternoon in fall, and the sun was setting, casting a golden hue through the kitchen window. As I mixed the ingredients, I could already envision my family gathered around the table, savoring each bite. It wasn’t just any cake; it was my grandmother’s recipe, passed down through generations. The sweetness of the dates, combined with the richness of chocolate chips, creates a uniquely comforting dessert that feels like home. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this cake never fails to impress. The best part? It’s simple to make! Just a few ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. So, let’s dive into this wonderful recipe and bring the warmth of home to your kitchen!

What’s In This Date Cake

The ingredients in a Date Cake come together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the cake is moist, sweet, and satisfying. The star of the show, the dates, provide natural sweetness and a unique texture, while the chocolate chips add a delightful richness to each bite. With a blend of dry ingredients that include flour and baking powder, this cake rises beautifully, giving it that perfect fluffy texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece.

• 8 ounces chopped, pitted dates – These sweet gems are the backbone of this cake, providing moisture and a deep flavor.
• 1 ½ cups boiling water – This helps to soften the dates, making them easier to incorporate.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda – This is the leavening agent that ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• ¾ cup vegetable shortening – Adds moisture and a tender crumb. You can use butter-flavored shortening for an extra boost of flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake, balancing the flavors of the dates.
• 2 large eggs slightly beaten – Acts as a binder, giving structure to the cake.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds a nice depth of flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, providing structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavors.
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – These melt into the cake, adding rich pockets of chocolate.
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch and flavor.
• ¼ cup coarse sparkling sugar (optional) – For a beautiful finish if desired.

Making This Date Cake

Creating a delicious Date Cake is a delightful experience. The process is pretty straightforward, and with each step, you’ll find yourself more excited for the final result. Let’s take it step by step, ensuring you know exactly how to create this delightful dessert.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is important as it ensures your cake cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your baking pan.

2. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with pre-cut parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps to ensure your cake doesn’t stick, making it easy to remove after baking.

3. In a medium, heat-resistant bowl, place the chopped dates and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture may foam up a bit; this is completely normal. Set the bowl aside to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Once the dates have cooled, grab an electric mixer and cream together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into your batter, creating a fluffy cake.

5. Next, add in the beaten eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. Make sure everything is well combined; this is what gives your cake a nice texture.

6. Now it’s time to stir in the dates and the liquid from the bowl. This will add moisture and sweetness to your batter.

7. In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your shortening mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cake.

8. Now fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Use a spatula to gently combine them into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

9. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with the coarse sugar for a beautiful finish.

10. Finally, bake in your preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Notes about Date Cake

Here are some essential tips for making the perfect Date Cake. These insights will help you achieve the best results and make the process even more enjoyable. Let’s dive into these helpful suggestions!

• Storage: Tightly cover leftover cake and store at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of cake for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container.
• Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Variations: You may use softened unsalted butter in place of the shortening for a richer flavor.
• Optional Add-ins: This cake is equally delicious without the chocolate chips, so feel free to leave them out if desired.
• Measuring Flour: Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.

Perfect Pairings for Date Cake

The versatility of Date Cake makes it suitable for various occasions and pairings. Here are some ideas to make your serving experience even better.

• Afternoon Tea: Serve slices of Date Cake alongside a pot of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Brunch Delight: This cake can be a sweet addition to your brunch table, paired with fresh fruits and coffee.
• Seasonal Gatherings: It’s a perfect dessert for fall gatherings, bringing a warm sweetness to the festivities.
• Picnic Treat: Slice it up for a picnic – it travels well and is a hit among friends and family.
• Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, ensure they are stored properly to keep them fresh for days to come.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Date Cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will make it a favorite in your household. With its moist crumb and delightful sweetness, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the warmth and joy it brings. Happy baking!

Date Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Date Cake combines sweet dates with rich chocolate chips for a delicious treat. Perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Pre-Cut Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheets
• Nordic Ware Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces chopped, pitted dates
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.75 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs slightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.33 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 0.25 cup coarse sparkling sugar optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is important as it ensures your cake cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your baking pan.
• Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with pre-cut parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps to ensure your cake doesn’t stick, making it easy to remove after baking.
• In a medium, heat-resistant bowl, place the chopped dates and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture may foam up a bit; this is completely normal. Set the bowl aside to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Once the dates have cooled, grab an electric mixer and cream together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into your batter, creating a fluffy cake.
• Next, add in the beaten eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. Make sure everything is well combined; this is what gives your cake a nice texture.
• Now it’s time to stir in the dates and the liquid from the bowl. This will add moisture and sweetness to your batter.
• In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your shortening mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cake.
• Now fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Use a spatula to gently combine them into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with the coarse sugar for a beautiful finish.
• Finally, bake in your preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving for the best texture.

Notes

• Storage: Tightly cover leftover cake and store at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of cake for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container.
• Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Variations: You may use softened unsalted butter in place of the shortening for a richer flavor.
• Optional Add-ins: This cake is equally delicious without the chocolate chips, so feel free to leave them out if desired.
• Measuring Flour: Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.

Keyword Bakery Style Cake, Date Cake, easy dessert recipes, Moist Cake Recipes

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.