Description
Craving a wholesome, indulgent dessert that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? Date Cake combines the natural sweetness of deglet dates, creamy whole milk cottage cheese, and rich chocolate chips for a moist, protein-rich treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this easy-to-make cake is enhanced with walnuts and maple syrup for a delightful texture and taste
Ingredients
Date Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a moist, flavorful loaf. Here’s what you’ll need for 8-10 servings (1 loaf):
- 17 medium deglet dates (pitted and soaked): Provides natural, caramel-like sweetness.
- ¾ cup whole milk cottage cheese: Adds protein, moisture, and creaminess.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Enhances sweetness with a rich, natural flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s base.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Aids in leavening and texture.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts: Adds nutty crunch.
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips: Brings indulgent, chocolatey bursts.
Optional Toppings (Add Before Baking):
- Extra chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
- A sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon for a crunchy top.
- Sliced dates for a decorative finish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Deglet Dates: Offer natural sweetness and a moist texture, reducing the need for refined sugar.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and creaminess, keeping the cake tender.
- Walnuts and Chocolate Chips: Provide texture and flavor contrast for a balanced treat.
- Maple Syrup: Complements the dates with a subtle caramel note.
Substitutions and Variations
- Deglet Dates: Swap with Medjool dates (use 12-14, as they’re larger) or dried figs (soak first).
- Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat for best results; low-fat works but is less creamy; substitute with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a vegan option (may alter texture).
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour, gluten-free 1:1 flour, or almond flour (increase to 1 ½ cups for almond flour).
- Eggs: For vegan, use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water).
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt, flax eggs, vegan chocolate chips, and ensure maple syrup is vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour and ensure chocolate chips are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Date Nut Bread: Omit chocolate chips and increase walnuts to ½ cup.
- Spiced Date Cake: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Date Orange Cake: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice.
- Double Chocolate Date Cake: Use chocolate chips and add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 17 medium deglet dates, ¾ cup whole milk cottage cheese, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 large eggs, 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ cup chopped walnuts, and ⅓ cup chocolate chips.
- Soak the pitted dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften while prepping other ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Tip: Soaking dates ensures easier blending; use whole milk cottage cheese for the moistest texture.
Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients
- Drain the soaked dates and place them in a blender with ¾ cup whole milk cottage cheese.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
Tip: Blend thoroughly to eliminate date chunks and cottage cheese curds for a smooth batter.
Step 3: Mix Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended date-cottage cheese mixture with ¼ cup maple syrup and 2 large eggs. Stir until well combined.
- Add 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ cup chopped walnuts, and ⅓ cup chocolate chips.
- Stir gently with a spatula until just combined, ensuring no dry flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Tip: Fold ingredients gently to maintain a light texture; the batter will be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add optional toppings like extra walnuts, chocolate chips, or sliced dates if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with dry crumbs.
Tip: Check at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking; a slightly moist center ensures a tender cake.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack (using parchment to lift) and cool for an additional 5 minutes.
- Slice into 8-10 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Cool slightly for cleaner slices; serve warm for the best flavor.