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Date Cake

A warming, comforting cake that fills the home with the aroma of dates and cinnamon.

16 Oct 2025
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Prep20 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Serves8 servings
LevelEasy

Date cake is a warm, fragrant bake scented with dates and cinnamon, a favorite in winter and during Ramadan. Pureed dates lend the cake natural moisture and sweetness, cutting down the need for added sugar. Serve it with tea or coffee, perhaps under a drizzle of date or caramel sauce.

How to Prepare

1

Beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar until pale and fluffy.

Beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar until pale and fluffy
2

Add the oil and mix.

Add the oil and mix
3

Blend the soaked dates with the qishta and add to the batter with the cinnamon.

Blend the soaked dates with the qishta and add to the
4

Fold in the flour, baking powder and baking soda until smooth.

Fold in the flour, baking powder and baking soda until
5

Pour into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven until done.

Pour into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven
6

For the sauce, mix the qishta with the creme caramel sugar packet until smooth.

For the sauce, mix the qishta with the creme caramel sugar
7

Pour the sauce over the warm cake. Garnish with dates and nuts and serve.

Pour the sauce over the warm cake

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✦ Chef Noor's Tip

Soak the dates in hot water first so they blend into a smooth, moist puree.

Ingredient Swaps

Dates: any soft, pitted variety works.

Sugar: reduce it, since the dates sweeten naturally.

Oil: melted butter for a richer flavor.

Common Questions

How do I get a moist cake?

Puree the dates well and don't overbake.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the dates usually provide enough sweetness.

What can replace walnuts?

Almonds, pecans, or leave them out.

How do I store it?

In an airtight container for days; the dates keep it moist.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze it sliced and warm before serving.