Description
A rich, moist Armenian-inspired sheet cake featuring naturally sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices. Perfect for serving with coffee or tea at gatherings or as a comforting everyday dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped pitted dates
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, stir in the baking soda, and let stand for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir the softened date mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then gently stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Substitute part of the walnuts with chopped pecans if desired.
Sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter before baking for a crisp topping.
Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Armenian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
