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
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.