Description
A rich, moist Persian-inspired date cake infused with cinnamon and cardamom, naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup packed pitted Medjool dates (about 10-12), chopped
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup olive oil or neutral oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute spelt or gluten-free blend)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square pan. Line with parchment paper for easy release.
- Place chopped dates in a bowl, pour boiling water over them, stir in baking soda, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Lightly mash the softened dates in their water, then stir the mixture into the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients until just blended.
- If using nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with powdered sugar or yogurt.
Notes
Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free version.
Omit nuts for a nut-free version without compromising texture.
Increase cinnamon and cardamom for a spicier flavor profile.
Date paste can be used (3/4 cup) in place of chopped dates with slightly less water.
Store in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezes well for up to 2 months—wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
