This Chocolate Date Cake is a comforting, old-fashioned dessert combining the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of cocoa and chocolate chips. Moist and dense with a satisfying chew, it’s a classic example of mid-century baking where pantry staples shine. With a tender crumb, a touch of spice from vanilla, and crunch from nuts, this cake brings back the warmth of family gatherings and potlucks. It’s especially delicious served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates (chopped & pitted )
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs (unbeaten)
- 1 tbsp cocoa
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¾ cups sifted flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 12 oz chocolate chips
- ¾ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Soften Dates
- Combine chopped dates, hot water, and baking soda in a bowl. Let stand.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Cocoa and Salt
- Stir in cocoa and salt until evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Combine
- Add the date mixture alternately with the sifted dry ingredients (flour) to the creamed mixture. Stir until just combined. Add vanilla.
Step 5: Mix in Chips and Nuts
- Stir in chocolate chips and chopped nuts, reserving half of each for topping.
Step 6: Assemble
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and nuts evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve warm with whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Substitute half the shortening with butter for richer flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Replace chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate for deeper cocoa flavor.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a softer nut texture.
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for extra moisture.
- Frost with cream cheese icing for a classic vintage feel.
- Bake as cupcakes (15 to 18 minutes) instead of a sheet cake.
- For a moister crumb, soak chopped dates in warm coffee instead of hot water.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, as suggested on the card.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2.4mg
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