Description
Rich Ginger and Molasses Cake Sweetened with Dates is a moist, spiced dessert combining warm ginger, earthy molasses, and sweet dates for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped
- 3/4 cup (180ml) boiling water
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) molasses (or black treacle)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine chopped dates and boiling water in a bowl. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in another bowl.
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix the softened date mixture into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square pan, spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly in pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix batter after adding dry ingredients to keep cake tender.
- Use fresh baking powder for proper rise.
- Measure flour accurately to avoid dense or collapsed cake.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better batter consistency.
- Optional: add nuts or chocolate chips for texture and flavor variations.
- Adjust baking time if using gluten-free flour blends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Rich Ginger and Molasses Cake, date molasses cake, spiced ginger cake, moist ginger cake, molasses dessert