Date and Walnut Cake

This cake is classic – in the sense that it was made long before the typical iced cakes came into existence.It was used more as a pudding after meals than a cake and served with Custard or Hot Fudge Sauce!Here is my fail proof recipe for a lovely date and walnut cake which will win you accolades!

Preparation Time – 1 hour 15 minutes

Makes – 8 servings approx

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain flour/all purpose flour/cake flour(preferable as it gives best results) – (maida)

2 eggs

250 gms dates

1/2 cup Refined Oil/butter

3/4 – 1 cup sugar (depending on taste as dates are natural sweeteners)

1/2 cup Walnuts chopped finely

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

METHOD

Prepare the dates:

Remove seeds and finely chop.Soak them in 1/2 cup water with 1/2 tsp Baking Soda overnight or in 1/2 cup hot water with the soda for 1 hour.

Sift the flour and baking powder in a bowl.Add the dates and walnuts and mix well.

In a bowl combine the Oil and sugar and beat till smooth and creamy.Add the Vanilla Essence to this.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl till frothy.

Preheat oven at 150deg C/300 deg F.

To the Oil mix,add half of the flour-nuts and half of the eggs.With a spatula or flat spoon,fold the mixtures gently to combine.Now add the rest of the eggs and flour.Fold again till well mixed.If you want you can beat the mixture with the spatula till thick.

Pour the cake mixture into a cake mold of your choice and bake for 45-50 minutes till a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven once done and let it cool.

Serve with Custard or Hot fudge Sauce if served as a pudding or with the 4’O Clock Tea for a memorable one!