Desserts > Cake

Chinese Date and Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped Chinese dates

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Electric mixer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the orange juice and orange zest to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped Chinese dates.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 17g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour or coconut flour.
- Chinese dates can be substituted with regular dates or dried apricots.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
- Substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a tangier flavor.
- Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the batter for a spicier flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- To make the cake more moist, brush it with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water while it is still warm.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Garnishes:
Garnish the cake with fresh orange slices or Chinese dates.

Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a side of whipped cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, brush it with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water while it is still warm.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure not to overmix the batter and to use fresh baking powder and baking soda.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake. Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Food history:
Chinese dates, also known as jujubes, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have a range of health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

Flavor profiles:
This cake has a sweet and citrusy flavor, with a nutty undertone from the almond flour.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Nutty, Spiced