Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of pekmez (grape molasses)
- 1/2 cup of chopped dates
- 1/4 cup of milk
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Electric mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown 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 pekmez and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped dates.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 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: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of pekmez.
- You can use raisins or dried figs instead of dates.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the batter.
- Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting.
- Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter, as it can result in a tough cake.
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
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 cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Top the cake with a drizzle of pekmez or honey.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or raspberries.
- Chopped nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts.
Pairings:
- Serve the cake with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.
- Pair the cake with a glass of red wine, such as Shiraz or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake.
- Check the expiration date of all ingredients before using them.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Pekmez is a traditional sweetener in Turkish cuisine, made from grapes or other fruits. It has been used in Turkish cooking for centuries and is often used in desserts and baked goods.
Flavor profiles:
This cake has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor from the pekmez, with a chewy texture from the chopped dates.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
Related Categories
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Region: Turkish
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized, Rich, Syrupy