This Queen Elizabeth Cake is a treasured vintage dessert that combines tender, date-studded cake with a sweet, caramelized coconut topping. Its delightful blend of flavors and textures makes it a treat fit for royalty—yet humble enough to bake at home for a special afternoon snack or an impressive family gathering. If you love moist, nostalgic cakes with a touch of old-world charm, this Queen Elizabeth Cake is guaranteed to win you over on the very first bite.

Queen Elizabeth Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliant thing about Queen Elizabeth Cake is how it transforms everyday pantry staples into something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the dates provide natural sweetness and soft texture, while the coconut-caramel icing delivers a golden finish you won’t soon forget.

Chopped dates: These are the soul of the cake, lending natural sweetness and keeping every bite moist and rich.
Baking soda: This helps soften the dates and gives the cake its delightful, tender crumb.
Boiling water: Poured over the dates, this creates a soft, luscious mixture that fuses perfectly into the batter.
Butter: Essential for a luxurious mouthfeel—use unsalted for full control of the cake’s flavor.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness and also helps with the cake’s structure.
Egg: Acts as a binder and helps the cake rise beautifully in the oven.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, creating a tender, classic crumb.
Baking powder: Gives an extra lift to make each slice light and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch for balance—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Walnuts (optional): Chopped walnuts add earthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s softness.
Shredded coconut: The magic ingredient in the topping, toasting up gloriously in the broiler.
Brown sugar: Melts into the coconut for a deep, almost caramel-like finish.
Milk: Helps make the topping pourable and just the right thickness.
Vanilla extract: A subtle background note that ties everything together.

How to Make Queen Elizabeth Cake

Step 1: Soak the Dates

Begin by placing your chopped dates in a bowl and sprinkling over the baking soda. Pour boiling water over the top, and give it a quick stir. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the dates turn soft and luscious, infusing your Queen Elizabeth Cake with its signature flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step builds air into your batter and ensures every bite is tender. Don’t rush it! Once this mixture looks light, beat in the egg until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick mix means even distribution throughout the batter, so your cake rises beautifully and tastes balanced from edge to edge.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Fold the date mixture (liquid included!) into the creamed butter and sugar, stirring gently. Then add your dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. If you’re a fan of crunch, fold in those walnuts right now. You’ll end up with a thick, glorious batter.

Step 5: Bake

Scrape your batter into a greased 9-inch square pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes—until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells utterly irresistible. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the topping.

Step 6: Make and Broil the Coconut Topping

For the distinctive coconut crown, combine the brown sugar, shredded coconut, milk, butter, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything’s melted and smooth, then pour over the warm cake. Pop the cake under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the topping bubbles and turns golden. Now that’s what makes Queen Elizabeth Cake unforgettable!

How to Serve Queen Elizabeth Cake

Garnishes

Garnish your Queen Elizabeth Cake with a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut, a few chopped walnuts, or even a delicate dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. A dollop of softly whipped cream turns each serving into a royal affair.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a mug of strong English tea, a cappuccino, or even a cool glass of milk. The cake’s deep date flavor and caramelized topping sing when balanced by creamy or slightly bitter sides, making each bite feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Queen Elizabeth Cake in dainty squares on a vintage cake stand to impress at afternoon teas, or cut into larger pieces for a cozy family dessert. For parties, you can pop squares into cupcake liners or even drizzle a little salted caramel sauce over each serving for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Queen Elizabeth Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the fridge to preserve its moist crumb and rich topping.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag. The cake keeps its lovely texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or gently heat before serving when you need a slice of old-fashioned comfort.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, quickly microwave a piece or warm it in the oven at low heat. This perks up the topping and brings out all the wonderful flavors in your Queen Elizabeth Cake.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans are a popular substitute, and even almonds or hazelnuts will add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them altogether—the cake will still be delicious.

Does Queen Elizabeth Cake need to be refrigerated?

If you plan to enjoy the cake within a day or two, storing it tightly covered at room temperature is perfect. For longer storage, or in warm climates, pop it in the fridge to keep it moist and fresh.

Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?

Yes! Simply chop the fresh dates finely and proceed as the recipe instructs. You may find the cake even more moist and flavorful this way.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed. Just be sure to watch the topping closely under the broiler.

Is this the same cake Queen Elizabeth herself enjoyed?

Legend has it that this recipe was made popular around the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, but nobody knows for sure if it was her favorite. One thing’s certain, though: Queen Elizabeth Cake has delighted generations with its regal taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a nostalgic treat that’s both simple and spectacular, Queen Elizabeth Cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it brings vintage elegance and irresistible flavor to your table.

Queen Elizabeth Cake Recipe