Moist Persian Date Cake with a Rich Cinnamon and Cardamom Spice Recipe

Introduction

This moist Persian Date Cake is infused with warm cinnamon and aromatic cardamom, creating a rich and comforting dessert. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a special occasion, it combines the natural sweetness of dates with a tender crumb.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted vegan butter or oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs or egg replacer
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square baking dish.
2. Step 2: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes until the dates soften.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together the vegan butter or oil and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs (or egg replacer) and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt together.
5. Step 5: Stir the soaked date mixture into the wet ingredients. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half the oil with applesauce or mashed banana.
• Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
• Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• If you prefer dairy, butter can be used instead of vegan butter or oil.
• To enhance the spice flavor, toast the ground cardamom and cinnamon briefly before adding to the flour.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy it chilled. The flavors intensify after resting, making leftovers delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?

Yes, you can substitute chopped dried figs or raisins, but the flavor and texture will slightly change. Dates provide natural moisture and sweetness that work best for this cake.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. Use vegan butter or oil and an egg replacer to keep the recipe fully vegan without compromising taste or texture.

Moist Persian Date Cake with a Rich Cinnamon and Cardamom Spice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

This Moist Persian Date Cake is a fragrant, tender dessert infused with warm cinnamon and cardamom spices. Featuring chopped dates soaked in hot water and baking soda for a rich, moist texture, it’s a perfect blend of natural sweetness and comforting flavors, ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Persian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Date Soak

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted vegan butter or oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs or egg replacer
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnish (optional)

• Powdered sugar or chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Soften Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, stir in the baking soda, and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the dates thoroughly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted vegan butter or oil with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs or egg replacer, followed by the vanilla extract, blending all wet ingredients fully for a consistent texture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
6. Mix Date Soak with Wet Ingredients: Stir the softened date mixture into the creamed wet ingredients carefully, integrating the flavors and moisture.
7. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet date batter until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
8. Transfer Batter: Pour the completed batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top to ensure even cooking.
9. Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is fully cooked and tender.
10. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain its moist texture.
11. Garnish and Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving to add a decorative and flavorful touch.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or any preferred egg replacer.
• The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Chilling the cake before serving can enhance the flavors and texture.
• You can customize the garnish with toasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts for added crunch.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake light and tender.

Keywords: persian date cake, moist date cake, cinnamon cardamom cake, vegan date cake, spiced cake, easy date cake recipe, traditional persian dessert