Description
Persian Date Cake is a moist, spiced dessert infused with the natural sweetness of dates, the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and cardamom, and a crunchy texture from walnuts. This cake is a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, using dates as a natural sweetener and offering a rich source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Perfect for a cultural celebration or just as a comforting treat with tea, Persian Date Cake offers deep flavor and nutritional benefits in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g dates, pitted and chopped
- 150g sugar
- 120g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 120ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and ½ cup of water. Microwave for 1–2 minutes until softened, then mash into a paste.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the mashed date paste, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Warm the honey slightly and brush it over the hot cake for a glossy finish.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can swap walnuts for chopped pecans or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- For an even deeper flavor, soak the dates in warm black tea instead of water.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: Persian Date Cake, date cake recipe, cardamom cake, healthy date dessert, cinnamon walnut cake, Middle Eastern dessert, moist date cake