Moist Date & Apple Cake with Warm Buttery Toffee Sauce
A cozy, comforting cake made with sweet dates and tart apples, topped with a warm, rich toffee sauce that seeps into every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g pitted dates, chopped These add natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely caramel-like depth.
- 1 cup boiling water For soaking the dates.
- 1 tsp baking soda Helps neutralize the acidity of the dates.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder Gentle lift for the cake.
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon Warm flavor that pairs beautifully with both dates and apples.
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg A pinch adds spice complexity.
- 0.25 tsp salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 100 g brown sugar Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note.
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened For creaming with the sugar.
- 2 large eggs For structure and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a warm background note.
- 1.5 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped Use tart apples like Granny Smith.
For the Warm Buttery Toffee Sauce
- 0.75 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 0.5 cup brown sugar Melts into a caramel-like base.
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter For richness and shine.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Rounds out the sauce flavor.
- a pinch salt Enhances sweetness.
Optional Add-Ons
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans For crunch.
- 1 tsp orange zest Brightens the flavor.
- a few tablespoons oats For a slightly heartier texture.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.
Soak the Dates
- Place chopped dates in a bowl, pour boiling water over, and add baking soda.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each addition. stir in vanilla.
Incorporate the Date Mixture
- Add cooled date mixture to creamed mixture and mix on low until combined.
Fold in Dry Ingredients and Apples
- Gently fold in dry ingredients and chopped apples.
Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Make the Warm Buttery Toffee Sauce
- While cake is baking, combine cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until thickened.
Finish the Cake with Sauce
- Poke holes in the cake and pour warm toffee sauce over.
Notes
Store leftovers at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days. Reheat gently for serving.