Description
This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of dates with aromatic cardamom and bright orange zest. Finished with a warm honey and orange juice drizzle, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrusy notes, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 cup (200g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch cake tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.
- Incorporate dates: Soak the chopped dates in boiling water mixed with baking soda to soften them. Once softened, fold the mashed dates into the wet mixture gently until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to maintain the batter’s lightness and avoid overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare honey drizzle: While the cake bakes, gently warm the honey and fresh orange juice together in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and fluid.
- Finish and serve: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the warm honey and orange mixture evenly over the top. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can soak the dates in boiling water with baking soda for at least 10 minutes to soften them before adding to the batter.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor. Bottled juice may alter taste slightly.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
