Description
This Date Custard Cake combines the natural sweetness of dates with a moist, spiced cake base topped with a creamy homemade custard. It’s perfect for a comforting dessert or special occasion treat, balancing warm spices and rich flavors in each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Custard Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Dates: In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the dates soften. Stir in the baking soda then set aside to cool.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing gently until smooth.
- Add the Dates: Fold the cooled date mixture into the cake batter carefully, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to make the custard topping.
- Prepare the Custard: Heat the milk gently over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Pour the thickened custard evenly over the cooled cake. Allow the custard to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the cake completely before adding the custard to prevent it from melting or becoming runny.
- The custard should be stirred constantly when cooking to avoid curdling or burning.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version, but custard texture may vary.
- For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
