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Sticky Date Cake with Toffee Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

This Sticky Date Cake is a rich, moist dessert made with succulent Medjool dates soaked in boiling milk and baking soda to create a tender date paste, which is then folded into a buttery, spiced cake batter. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious homemade toffee sauce, this cake is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 cups (9 oz.) pitted Medjool dates (about 15 – 16 dates)
  • 1¼ cup (300 ml) boiling milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ cups (180 g) all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Toffee Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform or 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Soak Dates: Place the pitted and chopped dates into a medium bowl and sprinkle with baking soda. Pour the boiling milk or water over the dates, cover with a tea towel, and let soak for 10-15 minutes to soften.
  3. Make Date Paste: Transfer the soaked dates and liquid to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until a loose paste forms. For a smoother texture, blend the mixture in a blender or food processor, then return to a bowl.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using the stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the room-temperature butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  6. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and add the date paste, followed by eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  7. Combine Batter: Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for another minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed. On low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and the top springs back when pressed gently.
  9. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes while preparing the toffee sauce.
  10. Make Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer and cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in salt and vanilla extract. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  11. Soak Cake: While the cake is still warm, use a toothpick or fork to poke holes across the top. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, pressing the sauce into the holes with the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to help it soak in. Allow the cake to cool for another 20-30 minutes to absorb the sauce fully.
  12. Serve: Release the cake from the pan or lift it out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with remaining toffee sauce. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • For a smoother date paste, blending is preferred over mixing.
  • Using boiling milk adds richness; substitute water for a dairy-free option.
  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for proper creaming and texture.
  • Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead and keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Keywords: Sticky Date Cake, Date Cake, Toffee Sauce Cake, Medjool Dates Dessert, Moist Cake

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/sticky-date-cake-with-toffee-sauce-recipe/