Description
A moist and flavorful Date Walnut Cake infused with warm spices and topped with a fragrant orange blossom syrup, perfect for a delightful dessert or tea-time treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 200g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 100g (3/4 cup) walnuts, chopped
- 150g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
Syrup Ingredients
- 100ml (1/2 cup) water
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- Juice of 1/2 orange
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake tin to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Soak Dates: Place the chopped dates in a mixing bowl, sprinkle baking soda over them, then pour boiling water on top. Allow this mixture to soak for 10 minutes; this helps soften the dates and enhances their flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Yogurt: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the Greek yogurt to add moisture and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In: Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Next, fold in the soaked dates along with their soaking liquid and the chopped walnuts, ensuring everything is evenly mixed but not overworked.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Orange Blossom Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water and freshly squeezed orange juice. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Finish with Syrup: Drizzle the syrup over the warm cake to infuse it with fragrant citrus notes and added moisture, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the baking soda fully activates by combining with boiling water and soaking dates to avoid any raw taste.
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming and better cake texture.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- The syrup adds moisture and a lovely floral-citrus aroma; drizzle immediately after baking for best absorption.
- Dates and walnuts can be lightly toasted before adding for a nuttier flavor if preferred.
