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Orange & Cardamom Date Cake with Honey Drizzle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Description

This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring the natural sweetness of dates paired with the zesty freshness of orange and warm spices of cardamom. Finished with a luscious honey and orange juice drizzle, it’s perfect for a sophisticated afternoon treat or a delightful end to any meal.


Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Honey Drizzle

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake tin to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract (approximately 1 tsp) until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  5. Prepare dates: Soften the chopped pitted dates by mixing them with baking soda and boiling water; let this mixture stand to cool slightly and soften the dates further.
  6. Combine ingredients: Fold the softened dates and baking soda mixture into the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Do not overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Make honey drizzle: While the cake is baking or cooling, warm honey and fresh orange juice together in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and drizzling consistency is achieved.
  9. Drizzle and serve: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the honey-orange mixture evenly over the top. Slice and serve for a deliciously moist and aromatic cake experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the dates are well softened with baking soda and boiling water to integrate smoothly into the batter.
  • Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor and aroma.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender texture.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter alternative.
  • Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.