Description
This Old-Fashioned Date, Apple, and Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert packed with sweet dates, tart apples, and crunchy walnuts. Topped with rich salted caramel frosting, it’s the perfect cake for fall gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Easy to make, this cake is an irresistible blend of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups chopped stoned dried dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
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Soak the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl with the butter and bicarbonate of soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and stir until the butter has melted. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together. Stir in the cooled date mixture, apples, flour, baking powder, mixed spice, salt, and chopped walnuts. Mix until fully combined.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
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Frost the Cake: Pour the caramel frosting over the cooled cake. Let it set for about an hour before serving.
Notes
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Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
