Why Make This Recipe
Date Cake is a delightful treat that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and rich flavors. It’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, the addition of dates not only gives it a natural sweetness but also adds health benefits. This cake is great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a dessert for a gathering.
How to Make Date Cake
Ingredients
- 17 medium deglet dates (pitted and soaked)
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese (whole milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Soak the dates in water while you prep the other ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Drain the dates, then blend them with the cottage cheese until smooth.
- Mix the cottage cheese mixture with the maple syrup, eggs, flour, baking powder, baking soda, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
- Add any toppings before baking (if desired).
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out dry.
- Let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then let cool on a cooling rack for another 5 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Date Cake
Date Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It also pairs nicely with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Store Date Cake
To store Date Cake, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the cake. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Date Cake
- Make sure the dates are fully pitted and soaked to soften them. This will help them blend smoothly.
- You can adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
- Feel free to add more nuts or even dried fruits to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Variation
If you want to change up the flavors, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm touch. You could also substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruit or coconut flakes for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of dates?
Yes, you can use other types of dates, but deglet dates are preferred for their sweetness and texture.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based cottage cheese to make it vegan.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it should work fine. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
