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–+ servings
Date Cake
This classic Date Cake is a rich, moist dessert made with pitted dates, sugar, butter, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a vintage recipe that uses boiling water to soften the dates, resulting in a naturally sweet, tender texture without being overly dense. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or cozy family gatherings, this old-fashioned cake captures the comforting flavors of warm baking spices and sticky-sweet fruit.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dates (pitted)
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups sugar (divided)
  • 3 tbsp butter (melted )
  • 1 egg (large, beaten)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

  • Place the pitted dates in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle 2 tsp baking soda over the dates.
  • Pour 2 cups boiling water over them and let sit.
  • Add 1 cup sugar to the mixture and stir gently.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  • In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup sugar, 3 tbsp melted butter, and 1 beaten egg.
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

  • Stir the softened date mixture into the sugar-butter mixture.
  • Add 3 cups flour and 1 tsp baking powder.
  • Mix well until batter is smooth.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.

Tips

  • Allow the date + boiling water + soda mixture to cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
  • Bake in a greased 8×8 or 9×13 pan depending on desired thickness (adjust time accordingly).
  • A moderate oven (around 350°F / 175°C) works well for this type of batter cake.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and flavor.
  • For extra moisture, replace part of the water with strong brewed coffee.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar instead of frosting to keep it traditional.
  • This cake freezes very well; wrap tightly after cooling.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic presentation.
  • Add warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 110IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword comfort food, date cake, family recipe, from scratch, handwritten recipe, heirloom cake, old-fashioned dessert, vintage