Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce Bliss
This delightful cake combines sweet dates, tender apples, and a rich butter sauce for a warm and comforting dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 200 g pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml boiling water For soaking the dates
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 100 g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Omit for nut-free option
For the Butter Sauce
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 100 g brown sugar
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all the ingredients on your countertop. Chop the pitted dates and measure out the boiling water in a bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over the chopped dates. Allow them to soak for about 15 minutes until they soften. Lightly mash them with a fork.
- While the dates are soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked dates, until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Preparing the Sauce
- For the butter sauce, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Serving
- Serve warm with the butter sauce drizzled over the top.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm, pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For extra flavor, add spices like nutmeg or ginger.