Description
This Sticky Date & Clementine Winter Cake is a cozy, moist dessert perfect for chilly days, combining the rich sweetness of dates with the bright, fresh flavors of clementines. It’s a comforting treat with a delightful citrus twist, ideal for sharing with family and friends during winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 200g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Juice of 2 clementines
Other Ingredients
- 200g pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- Zest of 2 clementines
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Date Mixture: In a bowl, combine the pitted dates with boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit; this softens the dates and activates the baking soda for leavening.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix these together until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Combine Date Mixture and Clementines: Stir the softened date mixture, along with the clementine zest and juice, into the batter to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Cake Pan: Grease your cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The boiling water and baking soda combination helps tenderize the dates and gives the cake a moist texture.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- You can serve this cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra indulgence.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of equal measure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
