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Grandma's Date Cake with Chocolate Chips and Nuts Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

Grandma's Date Cake is a moist, flavorful treat featuring a delicious blend of chopped dates soaked with baking soda and boiling water to create a soft texture. This classic cake is enriched with butter, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon, then topped with brown sugar, nuts, and chocolate chips for a delightful crunch and sweetness. Perfect for serving warm or cooled, this recipe yields 12 generous servings and is baked to perfection in a 9x13-inch pan.

Ingredients

Main Batter Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped, pitted dates (170 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups boiling water (360 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (170 grams)
  • 2 large eggs (100 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4 grams)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (3 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 grams)

Toppings

  • ½ cup brown sugar (110 grams)
  • ½ cup pecans or walnuts (75 grams)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (170 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake uniformly.
  2. Prepare Dates: Chop the pitted dates and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over the dates and pour boiling water on top. Stir gently and let this mixture cool for 10-20 minutes. This step softens the dates, allowing them to melt into the cake during baking.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow by mixing in the vanilla extract till the batter is smooth.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cinnamon. Fluff these ingredients together with a fork or whisk to ensure even distribution.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until barely combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Add Dates Mixture: Pour the cooled, soaked dates along with their liquid into the batter. Stir to combine; it's okay if the dates remain chunky as they will soften during baking.
  8. Prepare Pan and Spread Batter: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan for consistent baking.
  9. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the brown sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts, and chocolate chips evenly over the batter's surface to add sweetness and texture.
  10. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares, or enjoy it warm for a gooey texture.

Notes

  • For softer butter, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
  • Chilling the cake after baking enhances flavors, but it can also be served warm for a melty, comforting experience.
  • Optionally, you can add a sourdough discard with the eggs to add a subtle tanginess and improve texture.
  • Using parchment paper in the pan ensures easy removal and cleanup.
  • Substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/grandmas-date-cake-with-chocolate-chips-and-nuts-recipe/