Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s Date Cake is a moist, rich, and flavorful dessert that beautifully showcases the natural sweetness of dates. With warm spices, a touch of vanilla, and a luscious caramel-like glaze, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, it’s an elegant yet comforting dessert.
What is Ina Garten Date Cake?
Ina Garten’s Date Cake is a classic dessert made with chopped dates, warm spices, and a tender crumb. The cake is often topped with a toffee or caramel sauce that seeps into the cake, creating a moist and decadent texture. It’s an indulgent yet straightforward dessert that highlights the natural flavors of dates.
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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Date Cake
- Rich flavor: The natural sweetness of dates is complemented by warm spices.
- Moist and tender: The texture is perfectly soft and satisfying.
- Elegant yet simple: Great for gatherings or as a daily treat.
- Pairs well with beverages: Perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Make-ahead dessert: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Date Cake
For the cake:
- Dates: 1 1/2 cups, chopped and pitted.
- Boiling water: 1 cup.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed.
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon.
For the glaze (optional):
- Butter: 4 tablespoons.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed.
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons.
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon.
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Date Cake
Step 1: Soak the dates
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Add baking soda and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the dates.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 3: Prepare the batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the softened dates along with their soaking liquid. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the glaze (optional)
- While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 6: Glaze and serve
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke small holes across the top with a skewer. Pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep in.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Date Cake
- Whipped cream: Adds lightness and balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream: A creamy, cool pairing that enhances the flavors.
- Hot coffee or tea: Complements the warm, rich notes of the cake.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Date Cake
- Use fresh dates: Medjool or Deglet Noor dates work best for their natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Don’t skip soaking: Soaking the dates ensures a moist and tender cake.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Make it nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Let the cake rest: The flavors improve as the cake cools and sits overnight.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Date Cake
- Sticky toffee version: Drizzle the cake with a rich toffee sauce instead of the glaze.
- Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes on the glaze for added texture.
- Spiced variation: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, or add ground ginger for more warmth.
- Citrus twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Date Cake
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to a week. Bring to room temperature or warm before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How do you soften dates for baking?
To soften dates for baking, chop them into small pieces and soak them in boiling water with a teaspoon of baking soda for 10–15 minutes. This process helps break down the fibers and makes them easier to blend into the batter.
Can date cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, date cake can be made ahead of time. Bake the cake, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I substitute fresh dates with dried dates in date cake?
Dried dates can be used, but they should be rehydrated first. Soak the dried dates in warm water for 20–30 minutes until they soften, then proceed with the recipe as written.
What toppings work well with date cake?
Date cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or toffee sauce, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These toppings enhance the flavor and add visual appeal.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Date Cake is a simple yet luxurious dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.
Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a favorite for special occasions or an everyday indulgence.
Give it a try and savor the warmth and comfort of this timeless recipe.
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PrintIna Garten Date Cake Recipe
Ina Garten’s Date Cake is a classic dessert made with chopped dates, warm spices, and a tender crumb. The cake is often topped with a toffee or caramel sauce that seeps into the cake, creating a moist and decadent texture. It’s an indulgent yet straightforward dessert that highlights the natural flavors of dates.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the cake:
- Dates: 1 1/2 cups, chopped and pitted.
- Boiling water: 1 cup.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed.
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon.
For the glaze (optional):
- Butter: 4 tablespoons.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed.
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons.
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon.
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the dates
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Add baking soda and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the dates.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 3: Prepare the batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the softened dates along with their soaking liquid. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the glaze (optional)
- While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 6: Glaze and serve
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke small holes across the top with a skewer. Pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep in.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
