Description
Pumpkin Date Cake is a moist and tender loaf that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin and dates with the warmth of autumn spices. Ideal for cozy gatherings, brunch, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 100g (1⁄2 cup) brown sugar
- 100g (1⁄2 cup) granulated sugar
- 120ml (1⁄2 cup) vegetable oil
- 240g (1 cup) pumpkin purée
- 150g (1 cup) chopped dates (pitted Medjool or Deglet Noor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 60g (1⁄2 cup) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23×13 cm (9×5 inch) loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the vegetable oil, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dates and optional nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda to ensure a proper rise.
- Letting the cake sit overnight enhances the flavor.
- Use high-quality dates for the best taste.
- Toast nuts before folding them in for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pumpkin date cake, fall dessert, spiced loaf cake, pumpkin bread, date loaf, holiday baking, cozy cakes