Discover a simple and incredibly satisfying recipe that will elevate your dessert game to new heights! This date cake is made with just a handful of ingredients, and the process is so easy you’ll be enjoying this delightful treat in no time. By pouring hot milk over the dates, you’ll unlock their natural sweetness and create a rich, moist cake with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dessert or an elegant addition to any meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 250g dates, pitted and chopped
• 180ml hot milk
• 50g soft butter
• 2 eggs
• 100g sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
• 150g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

1. Soak the Dates: Place 250g of chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour 180ml of hot milk over the dates. Let them soak for 5 minutes. This step will soften the dates and infuse the milk with their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dates are soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 50g of soft butter and 100g of sugar (if using) until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 150g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Mix the Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dates

1. Add Soaked Dates: After the dates have soaked, mash them slightly with a fork or spoon, leaving some chunks if desired. Fold the dates and the milk mixture into the batter, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease an 18 cm (7-inch) cake mold or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake and enjoy. It’s perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Possible Questions

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

• Yes, you can substitute any type of milk, including almond, soy, or oat milk, for the dairy milk.

2. Can I omit the sugar?

• If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute. The dates will provide natural sweetness.

3. Can I add nuts or spices to the cake?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

4. What if I don’t have an 18 cm mold?

• You can use a different size pan, but adjust the baking time as needed. A larger pan will require less baking time, while a smaller pan will need more.

5. How do I ensure the cake is moist?

• Be careful not to overbake the cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings)

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.

Conclusion

This quick and easy date cake is a wonderful way to enjoy a sweet, homemade dessert with minimal fuss. By using hot milk to infuse the dates with flavor, you create a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy days or unexpected guests. Enjoy the rich, natural sweetness of dates in every bite of this delightful cake, and savor the satisfaction of a homemade treat made in just minutes.