Description
This moist and flavorful apple date cake is perfect for any occasion, especially when drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped dates, and walnuts or pecans if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar starts to dissolve. Allow it to cook without stirring until it turns a golden amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and remove from heat.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm slices drizzled with the warm caramel sauce.
Notes
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If desired, serve with whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg