Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce! It’s like a hug in dessert form, combining the natural sweetness of dates and the tartness of fresh apples, all wrapped up in a moist, tender cake. The best part? Drizzling that rich, luscious butter sauce over a warm slice is pure bliss! Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes will have everyone wandering in, eagerly anticipating a slice. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or even just a little treat after a long day. Seriously, you need to try this one—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
- 200 g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 100 g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Butter Sauce:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 100 g (1/2 cup) packed brown sugar
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, comforting dessert that’s just bursting with flavor.
Preparing the Dates
Start by soaking the chopped dates in boiling water. Just toss them into a bowl with 250 ml (1 cup) of the hot water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This softens them up and makes them easier to mash. After the soaking time, take a fork and gently mash the dates—don’t worry about getting them perfectly smooth, a little chunkiness adds character!
Preheating the Oven
While those dates are soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly. Also, grab a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan, grease it up, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out easily without any sticky surprises.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 100 g (1/2 cup) of softened unsalted butter and 150 g (3/4 cup) of packed brown sugar. You’ll want to mix this for about 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy—this aeration is key for a lovely texture! You should see it turn a beautiful light color, and it should feel a bit airy when you scoop it out.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add those 2 large eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully incorporated. Don’t forget to stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract once the eggs are in—this will add a lovely depth of flavor!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 200 g (1 1/2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisking these dry ingredients well helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, making sure your cake rises perfectly!
Mixing in Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your butter and egg mixture, alternating with the soaked dates. Start with the dry ingredients, then add half of the date mixture, and repeat this until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine, and they’ll keep your cake tender!
Folding in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Use a spatula and scoop from the bottom up, being careful not to deflate that lovely batter we just made! You want to ensure the apples and nuts are evenly distributed throughout.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re all set! It should also spring back lightly when pressed.
Preparing the Butter Sauce
While your cake is baking, let’s whip up that decadent butter sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 100 g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter and 100 g (1/2 cup) of brown sugar. Stir this until it’s melted and smooth, then gradually whisk in 120 ml (1/2 cup) of heavy cream and another teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Cooling and Serving
Once your cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, slice up that warm cake and drizzle on the luscious butter sauce. For an extra indulgence, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 30 minutes to get everything ready!
- Delightful flavors that balance the sweetness of dates and the tartness of apples.
- Moist and tender cake texture, thanks to the combination of ingredients.
- Rich, buttery sauce drizzled on top takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Simple enough for beginners, but impressive enough to wow your guests.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious dessert or snack the next day.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or add a dash of your favorite spices.
Tips for Success
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Use a kitchen scale for the best accuracy, especially for flour and sugar.
- Room temperature ingredients: For a smoother batter, let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps everything blend together beautifully!
- Don’t skip the soaking: Soaking the dates isn’t just a step; it’s essential for keeping them plump and juicy in the cake. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Alternating mixtures: When you’re mixing in the dry ingredients and date mixture, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until you see no more flour.
- Check for doneness: Remember that every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. The toothpick test is your friend—just a few crumbs should stick for perfect moistness!
- Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan before moving it to a wire rack helps prevent it from breaking apart. Patience pays off!
- Get creative: Feel free to adjust the spices or nuts to suit your taste. A sprinkle of nutmeg or a handful of dried cranberries can add a lovely twist!
- Serve warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm with that buttery sauce drizzled on top, so heat it slightly in the microwave if it cools down too much before serving.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads up—while I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For a typical serving size of one slice of this Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
Always check with your ingredients for the most accurate information, especially if you’re watching specific dietary needs. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of fruit?
Absolutely! While apples are delicious in this Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even some berries. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit’s natural sugars.
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened for creaming with the sugar!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make a lovely snack!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the butter sauce?
No worries! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk as a substitute, but keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich. You can also add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it up!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake is perfect for making in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before adding the butter sauce for that warm, cozy touch!
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk in the butter sauce instead of heavy cream. You’ll still end up with a delightful dessert!
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply don’t want to use them, you can skip the nuts altogether or swap in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a little crunch without the nutty flavor.
Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce Blissful Treat
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake with Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of dates and apples with a rich butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 100 g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Butter Sauce:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened. Once soaked, mash them lightly with a fork and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked date mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the apples and nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the butter sauce: While the cake is baking, make the butter sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Cool and serve: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slices of the warm cake drizzled with the warm butter sauce.
Notes
- For an extra touch, you can serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add spices like nutmeg for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Warm Apple Date Treacle Cake, Butter Sauce, Dessert Recipe