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Sticky Date Cake Recipe

Sticky Date Cake Recipe

5 from 5 reviews

Lusciously sticky and warmly spiced Sticky Date Cake drenched in a rich caramel glaze. This cozy indulgence features moist cake infused with sweet Medjool dates and topped with a glossy, buttery caramel sauce that soaks in beautifully, perfect for a comforting dessert or afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1 cup chopped Medjool dates
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder

For the Caramel Glaze

  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dates: Place the chopped Medjool dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them along with the baking soda. Let them soak for 15 minutes to soften, then mash slightly with a fork or spoon to create a chunky date mixture.
  2. Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the batter.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to maintain a creamy consistency.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then fold in the mashed date mixture thoroughly but carefully to avoid overmixing.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Make the caramel glaze: While the cake bakes, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze is smooth, thick, and glossy.
  9. Glaze and serve: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the caramel glaze over the top and allow it to soak in slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for their natural sweetness and soft texture for best results.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • The cake is best served slightly warm to fully enjoy the gooey caramel glaze.
  • You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the glaze.
  • Adjust sweetness in the glaze by reducing brown sugar if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky date cake, caramel glaze, date dessert, moist cake, Medjool dates, cozy dessert, baked cake