Description
This Date Molasses Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring the rich sweetness of dates and molasses, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a comforting dessert, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates Mixture
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan to prepare for the cake batter.
- Prepare Date Mixture: Pour boiling water over the chopped dates, stir in the baking soda, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and develop flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Date and Dry Mixtures: Stir the softened date mixture into the wet mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients gently to combine. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature as a delicious dessert or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Make sure not to overbake the cake to keep it moist.
- For a stronger date flavor, use Medjool dates if available.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
