Why make this recipe
This sticky date cake is warm, sweet, and easy to make for family or friends. It uses simple pantry items and gives a soft, moist cake with rich sauce. If you like sweet bakes, you may also enjoy a soft cookie treat like this caramel cheesecake cookies recipe for a different dessert.
This recipe makes one round sticky date cake with toffee sauce and cream. You will soak dates, bake a soft cake, pour warm caramel sauce, and top with whipped cream. It fits small dinners and simple parties. For other easy sweets to try later, see this best chocolate chip cookies recipe.
How to make Sticky Date Cake
Work in steps: soak dates, mix dry and wet batter, bake, and make sauce and cream. Read each short step and do them in order. For savory pairings with this cake you can check ideas in our dinner recipes collection.
Ingredients :
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more to coat the pan, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 3/4 cups (12 oz.) chopped pitted Medjool dates (about 20), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed), 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed), 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water, 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions :
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8-inch round pan.
- Put the chopped dates and 1 1/4 cups water in a small pot. Bring to a low boil, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda. Let sit 10 minutes so the mixture cools and the dates soften.
- In a bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
- In another bowl, beat 1/4 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup light brown sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs one at a time, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Fold the dry mix into the wet mix, then stir in the cooled date mixture (including any liquid). Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack.
For the caramel sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter with 3/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mix bubbles gently. Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy whipping cream. Bring to a low simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water. Keep warm.
Make the whipped cream:
- Chill a bowl and beaters for a few minutes if you can.
- Pour 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Whip until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.
How to serve Sticky Date Cake
Cut the warm cake into slices. Spoon warm caramel sauce over each slice and add a dollop of whipped cream. You can serve slices with a simple salad or cheese plate; a light side like this chickpea feta avocado salad works well if you want balance.
How to store Sticky Date Cake
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Keep sauce in a separate jar and warm it gently before serving. If you bring this cake to a party with hot sandwiches, use a sturdy main like the popular crack burgers recipe for a filling meal.
Tips to make Sticky Date Cake
- Chop dates evenly so they soften the same in the soak.
- Let the date mixture cool a bit before mixing with eggs to avoid cooking them.
- Warm the sauce before serving so it pours easily.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Do not overbake; check the cake a few minutes before time is up.
Variation (if any)
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mix for warm spice.
- Replace orange blossom water with a teaspoon of orange zest if you prefer.
- For a nutty touch, scatter chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other dates?
A: Yes. Medjool give a soft, sweet result, but you can use other dried dates. Soak a bit longer if they are dry.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the cake and store it in the fridge. Warm the cake and sauce before serving for best taste.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes. Wrap the cooled cake well and freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and warm before serving.
Q: Is orange blossom water necessary?
A: No. It adds a subtle floral note. You can skip it or use orange zest instead.
Q: How do I reheat the caramel sauce?
A: Warm gently on low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between bursts.
Conclusion
For another take on sticky date cake, see this version by sticky date cake – Megan Sheley which shows a clear step-by-step method. You can compare recipes and find extra tips at Sticky Date Cake | Moribyan. If you want a toffee sauce focus, try the Easy Sticky Date Cake Recipe with Toffee Sauce – Maureen Abood for another sauce idea. For a similar classic dessert note, read the Sticky Date Pudding – RecipeTin Eats page. For a personal blog take and baking notes, check Sticky Toffee Date Cake – Girl Interrupted Eating.
