Description

This Orange Cardamom Date Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert made with Medjool dates, orange zest, and cardamom, finished with a sweet honey-orange drizzle. It’s refined sugar-free, easy to make gluten-free, and perfect for tea time or special occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped

3/4 cup hot water

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons honey (for drizzle)

1 tablespoon orange juice (for drizzle)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix the chopped dates with hot water and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and coconut sugar until smooth. Add eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Stir the softened date mixture into the wet ingredients, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, stir together the honey and orange juice to make the drizzle.
Once the cake has slightly cooled, pour the honey-orange mixture over the top and let it soak in before slicing.

Notes

Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.

Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for extra texture.

Brown sugar can replace coconut sugar.

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.

Add orange extract for stronger citrus flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 260
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg