Iraqi Date and Nut Cake Gilacgi

Discover the rich, aromatic flavors of Iraqi cuisine with this Date and Nut Cake, known as Gilacgi. This traditional dessert beautifully combines tender, caramel-like pitted dates and crunchy walnuts, infused with the warm spice of cinnamon for a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The cake is crowned with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, giving it a unique Middle Eastern flair and a subtle nuttiness in every bite. Perfect for tea time or as a show-stopping dessert, this easy-to-make cake features simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla extract, making it an accessible treat for home bakers. With its soft, moist texture and optional dusting of powdered sugar, Gilacgi is a true celebration of authentic Iraqi flavors and is guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams pitted dates
• 250 milliliters hot water
• 125 grams unsalted butter
• 150 grams granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 100 grams chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2

In a heatproof bowl, pour the hot water over the pitted dates and let them soak for about 10 minutes to soften. Once softened, mash the dates into a rough paste using a fork or blender and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 6

Fold the mashed dates and chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the surface. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly on top for a decorative touch.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this traditional Iraqi cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1269.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4007.1

Total Fat 195.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 648.8mg	0%
Sodium 2111.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 560.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.8g	0%
Total Sugars 361.6g
Protein 58.9g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 600.5mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2988.1mg	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: 41.5%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 52.9%