Crusader Cake

Transport yourself to the medieval era with this flavorful Crusader Cake, a rich and spiced dessert inspired by old-world ingredients and techniques. This rustic cake combines the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the natural sweetness of honey, dried figs, and apricots. Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar completes its simple yet beautiful presentation. Easy to prepare in just about 20 minutes with wholesome pantry staples, this cake bakes to perfection in under an hour, making it an ideal centerpiece for cozy gatherings or a teatime treat. Serve this hearty, subtly spiced cake on its own, or pair it with your favorite brew for a truly satisfying bite. Perfect for fans of historical flavors, this Crusader Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a connection to the past with every slice.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 0.75 cup Unsalted butter
• 3 Eggs
• 0.75 cup Whole milk
• 0.25 cup Honey
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 cup Dried figs, chopped
• 0.5 cup Dried apricots, chopped
• 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking powder until fully combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and honey together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the milk and mix until smooth.

Step 4

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the chopped dried figs, dried apricots, and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once the cake is fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Step 10

Slice and enjoy your Crusader Cake as a standalone dessert or paired with a warm cup of tea.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1402.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4401.1

Total Fat 136.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 766.0mg	0%
Sodium 2446.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 773.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.1g	0%
Total Sugars 539.2g
Protein 68.2g	0%

Vitamin D 203.5IU	0%
Calcium 880.7mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 3127.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.7%

Protein: 5.9%

Carbs: 67.4%