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–+ servings
Date Cake
Date Cake is a classic mid-20th-century home baking recipe that reflects the era when dried fruits were pantry staples and desserts were designed to be economical yet deeply satisfying. Chopped dates provide natural sweetness and moisture, while eggs and sugar create a soft, sturdy crumb suited for slicing. Often baked as a simple loaf or square cake, it was popular for afternoon coffee, potlucks, and casual family desserts. The restrained use of fat and the reliance on fruit flavor give this cake a wholesome richness rather than an overly sweet profile. Its appeal lies in its balance—tender but substantial, sweet but not cloying, making it a dependable, everyday cake with lasting charm.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dates (chopped )
  • 1 cup boiling water (+ 1 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 5 oz margarine
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 ¾ oz pecans (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soften Dates

  • Place chopped dates in a bowl
  • Pour boiling water over dates
  • Stir in baking soda and let stand until softened

Step 2: Prepare Batter

  • In a large bowl, beat sugar and margarine until blended
  • Add the eggs to the mixture an mix.
  • Mix in vanilla extract

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Add softened date mixture to egg mixture
  • Stir until evenly combined

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour and salt
  • Fold dry ingredients into batter gently

Step 5: Add Nuts

  • Stir in chopped pecans

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased baking pan
  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 40–45 minutes
  • Cool before slicing

Tips

  • Toast the pecans for deeper flavor
  • Substitute walnuts if preferred
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Serve warm with whipped cream
  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar
  • Bake as muffins for individual servings
  • Use parchment for easy removal
  • Pair with coffee or tea
  • Drizzle with simple vanilla glaze

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 5gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2.4mg
Keyword comfort food, date dessert, fruit cake, old-fashioned cake, pantry baking, retro recipe, vintage baking
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