Date and Walnut Cake- United Kingdom #57

Date and Walnut Cake- United Kingdom #57

A light, moist cake with low fat content. The dried dates and nuts makes a pleasant alternative to a conventional fruit cake.

Ingredients:

1 c. pitted dried dates, chopped
1-1/2 T. unsalted butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
3/4 c. lightly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 c. plain flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. ground mixed spice
pinch of salt
1c. walnuts, chopped

1. Place the dates in a bowl with the butter and baking soda.  Pour over the boiling water and stir until the butter has melted.  Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 355F.  Lightly grease an 8" round springform pan and line the bottom with baking paper.
3. Place the sugar and eggs in a large bowl and beat well to combine.  Add the cooled date mixture, then sift in the flour, baking powder, mixed spice and salt.
4. Add the walnuts and stir together until thoroughly mixed.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the top.
6. Bake for 1 to 1-1/4 hours, or until the cake is risen and nicely browned and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool.

Results: Not a difficult cake to make. Next time I will add more dates for taste and moisture. I added 1-1/4 c. nuts because I like nuts. I used pumpkin spice for the mixed spice. I sprinkled confectioner's sugar on top because it looked so dark. When I served the cake I added a dollop of whipped cream.

Bottom Line: I will keep this recipe and serve it for a breakfast cake or for tea or coffee. It actually tasted good with a cabernet.

Please share with anyone who would like a date or is a nut. Lol  Also, keep all those bakers in the loop. Thanks.