Description
This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake with Honey Drizzle is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of dates with the zesty brightness of orange and the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. The honey drizzle adds a luscious finish, making it perfect for teatime or a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Soak Dates: Place the chopped dates into a bowl and pour over the boiling water. Let this soak to soften the dates and later add the baking soda to this mixture, allowing it to fizz and tenderize the dates further.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another larger mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, then stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until fully integrated and smooth.
- Combine Date Mixture: Fold the softened date mixture with baking soda into the wet ingredients, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, gently stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Honey Drizzle: While the cake bakes, warm honey and fresh orange juice together gently in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and pourable.
- Drizzle and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing. Drizzle the warm honey mixture over the top just before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure dates are thoroughly soaked in boiling water for added moisture and softness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before drizzling honey to prevent it from melting into the cake excessively.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute light brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
