Description
A tender, spiced Persian Date Cake made with sweet Medjool dates, warm cardamom, and crunchy walnuts. Naturally sweetened and perfect with tea or coffee, it’s an easy, one-bowl dessert that brings comforting Middle Eastern flavors to any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup neutral oil (like sunflower or avocado)
3/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped dates with boiling water, stir in baking soda, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the softened date mixture (including the liquid) to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Swap walnuts for pistachios for a more traditional Persian flavor.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
Add dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezes well – slice and wrap individually before freezing.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
