Picnic Cake with Dates

Indulge in the nostalgic charm of this Picnic Cake with Dates, a moist and tender dessert that’s perfect for casual gatherings or a sweet treat on-the-go. Packed with naturally sweet chopped dates softened in boiling water, this cake boasts warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a comforting choice for any season. A blend of granulated and brown sugar lends depth to its sweetness, while optional walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, this cake bakes to perfection in under an hour, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you're planning a picnic or craving a cozy dessert, this date-filled cake will quickly become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates, then stir lightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 7

Fold in the softened date mixture (including the liquid) and the optional chopped nuts, if using. The batter will be thick.

Step 8

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 10

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve plain, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1303.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4538.4

Total Fat 244.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 129.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 888.7mg	0%
Sodium 3099.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 565.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.8g	0%
Total Sugars 352.1g
Protein 53.6g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 351.7mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 1899.9mg	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: 47.1%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 48.3%