Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Fold in the dates, walnuts, and mixed dried fruit.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10 servings
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: can be substituted with vegetable oil
- Buttermilk: can be substituted with plain yogurt
- Dates: can be substituted with raisins
- Walnuts: can be substituted with pecans or almonds
- Mixed dried fruit: can be substituted with any other dried fruit of your choice
Variations:
- Can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter
- Can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter
- Can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Use a light hand when folding in the dates, walnuts, and mixed dried fruit
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream
- Drizzle with melted chocolate
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped dates
- Chopped mixed dried fruit
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla custard
- Chocolate mousse
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the batter
- If the cake is too dense, add a few tablespoons of baking powder to the batter
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired
- Make sure all utensils are clean and sanitized
Food History:
This type of cake has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in the Middle East.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor, with hints of vanilla and dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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