Description
A delightful Moroccan Orange Date Cake with Almond Topping that combines the sweetness of dates and the zesty flavor of oranges, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients, ensuring butter is softened and dates are chopped.
- Sprinkle baking soda over chopped dates and pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes, then mash lightly.
- Cream softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed dates.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking with a skewer for doneness.
- Prepare almond topping by mixing sliced almonds, light brown sugar, and melted butter. After 30 minutes of baking, sprinkle over the cake.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until almonds are golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
- Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Line the cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool before transferring to avoid breaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Moroccan cake, orange cake, date cake, almond topping, dessert recipe