English cake

English Date Cake with Dates and Caramel: A Delight for Tea Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a fluffy cake that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of tea at 5 PM? This English date cake with caramel is not only a delicious dessert but also an inspired choice for those indulgent moments with loved ones. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to win you over!

A Bit of History

English cakes have a long and fascinating history, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Great Britain. They are often served alongside tea, a custom that became popular in the 19th century when the British aristocracy began hosting social gatherings around this beverage. The cake we’re preparing today is inspired by traditional recipes but has a personal twist that gives it a unique flavor.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 200 g pitted dates
- 150 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer)
- 100 g brown sugar
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g ground walnuts
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar syrup (see below for preparation)

For the caramel:
- 150 g sugar
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 10 g instant coffee (optional, but recommended for a deeper flavor)
- 50 g margarine (or butter)

Preparing the Cake

1. Making the sugar syrup
To start, prepare a simple sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, add 5 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Place over medium heat and simmer, stirring gently, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

2. Preparing the dates
In another saucepan, add the pitted dates and enough water to cover them. Boil for 5-7 minutes until they become soft. Then, drain the water and mash the dates into a puree using a blender or fork. Let it cool.

3. Making the cake batter
In a large bowl, cream the margarine (or butter) with the brown sugar until fluffy and creamy. Add the vanilla pod (split and seeds scraped out) and the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Adding dry ingredients
Without stopping the mixing, add the sugar syrup and a pinch of salt. Next, fold in the ground walnuts and date puree, mixing everything with a spatula. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gently fold it into the batter, avoiding overmixing.

5. Baking the cake
Prepare a baking pan by greasing it with margarine and dusting it with flour. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 45 minutes, or until the cake passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean).

Preparing the Caramel

1. Caramelizing the sugar
In a saucepan, add 150 g of sugar and let it caramelize, stirring constantly. When it reaches an amber color, it’s time to add the heavy cream (be careful, it will splatter!). Stir well to combine.

2. Adding the margarine
Remove the saucepan from heat and add 50 g of margarine, stirring until it melts completely. If you want a deeper flavor, incorporate the instant coffee before allowing the caramel to cool.

Serving the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it generously and drizzle with warm caramel. This sweet combination is simply irresistible! You can also add a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Helpful Tips

- Use soft, juicy dates for a smoother puree.
- If you want a fluffier cake, add a bit of yogurt or milk to the batter.
- You can substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- The cake keeps well for a few days in an airtight container but is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it’s recommended to do so without the caramel. Wrap the slices in cling film to protect them.

2. Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or honey, but it will affect the texture of the cake.

3. Can I add other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Raisins or dried apricots pair wonderfully with this recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

The cake contains dates, which are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The walnuts add healthy protein and essential fats, while the caramel, though delicious, is an indulgence that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Enjoy this English date cake with caramel at your next tea gathering! I assure you it will quickly become a favorite among friends and family. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the cake: 200 g of dates, 150 g of margarine, 100 g of brown sugar, 1 vanilla pod, 3 eggs, 200 g of ground walnuts, 1 pinch of salt, 300 g of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar syrup. For the caramel: 150 g of sugar, 100 ml of liquid cream, 10 g of instant coffee, 50 g of margarine.

 Tags:  caramel cake