Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped dates and toasted sesame seeds.
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 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
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 19g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of sugar instead of brown sugar.
- You can use any type of flour instead of almond flour.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- You can substitute the dates with dried figs or apricots.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the dates into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the cake.
- Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cake.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter, as it can result in a tough cake.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a sweet finish.
Garnishes:
Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a side of yogurt make great accompaniments to this cake.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try baking it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Date cakes have been enjoyed for centuries in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. They were often served during special occasions and celebrations.
Flavor profiles:
This cake has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor from the toasted sesame seeds and chopped dates.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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