Description
A moist and warmly spiced gingerbread cake made with grated apple and chopped dates, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 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
- 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup grated apple (about 1 large apple)
- 3/4 cup chopped pitted dates
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add molasses and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- With the mixer on low, alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated apple and chopped dates gently with a rubber spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Ensure baking soda and baking powder are fresh for best rise.
- Use freshly grated apple for optimal moisture and flavor.
- Dates should be chopped small for even distribution.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: spiced gingerbread cake, date cake, apple cake, holiday dessert, molasses cake, easy ginger cake