Moroccan Date Pudding

Moroccan Date Pudding Recipe - Delicious and Authentic

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Moroccan Date Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This rich and flavorful pudding is made with a combination of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, spices, milk, dates, and walnuts. It is a popular dessert in Moroccan cuisine and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Moroccan Date Pudding has been a traditional dessert in Moroccan cuisine for many years. Dates are a common ingredient in Moroccan cooking, as they are grown abundantly in the region. The combination of dates and walnuts in this pudding creates a unique and delicious flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

125 g of butter
125 g of caster sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp of baking powder
125 g of plain white flour
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of nutmeg
0.5 tsp of ground cloves
120 ml of milk
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
75 g of dates
50 g of roughly chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8-inch cake tin.
In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until blended and fluffy.
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs before adding them to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well.
In another large bowl, combine the baking powder, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix the contents of the two bowls together and beat well. Add the milk and vanilla, and beat again until the mixture is smooth and even.
Add the chopped dates and walnuts, and stir again to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Once there are no lumps, pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30 minutes.
This recipe yields one cake that serves about 8.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the butter and sugar mixture to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to evenly distribute the dates and walnuts in the batter to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.

- Grease the cake tin well to prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides.

- Check the pudding with a toothpick before removing it from the oven to ensure it is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Moroccan Date Pudding can be served warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the eggs well before adding them to the batter ensures a light and fluffy texture.

- Mixing the dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet ingredients helps to evenly distribute the spices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.

- If you don't have dates, you can use raisins or dried apricots instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Moroccan Date Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation. - Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Moroccan Date Pudding pairs well with a cup of mint tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Moroccan Date Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan Date Pudding contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moroccan Date Pudding contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moroccan Date Pudding contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Moroccan Date Pudding contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moroccan Date Pudding is a good source of vitamin E, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

Moroccan Date Pudding is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a satisfying and nutritious treat.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Moroccan Date Pudding. It was many years ago, during a trip to Morocco with my husband. We had decided to venture off the beaten path and explore the markets of Marrakech, where we stumbled upon a small stall selling an array of exotic spices and ingredients.

As we browsed through the colorful displays, a kind elderly woman approached us and started chatting about the different spices and their uses in Moroccan cuisine. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about cooking that I couldn't help but be drawn in by her stories. When she mentioned the traditional Moroccan Date Pudding, my curiosity was piqued.

She explained that this dessert was a favorite in Moroccan households, especially during festive occasions like weddings and holidays. It was made with simple ingredients like dates, flour, butter, sugar, and a few spices, yet it was said to be incredibly rich and decadent. Intrigued, I asked her if she could share the recipe with me.

With a smile, she invited us to her home where she graciously taught me how to make the Moroccan Date Pudding. The process was surprisingly straightforward, yet the result was nothing short of magical. The combination of sweet dates, warm spices, and buttery pastry created a dessert that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

After returning home from our trip, I couldn't wait to recreate the Moroccan Date Pudding in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients and followed the steps that the kind woman had taught me, adding my own little twists and adjustments along the way. As the pudding baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of dates and spices filled the air, transporting me back to the bustling markets of Marrakech.

When the pudding was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss – the rich, gooey texture of the dates combined with the flaky pastry and hint of cinnamon and nutmeg was simply divine. I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, a special treat to be shared with friends and family on special occasions.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Moroccan Date Pudding, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations. Each time I prepare this dessert, I am reminded of that fateful day in Morocco when I first learned the recipe from the kind elderly woman in the market.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I can only hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and delight that I did when I first discovered the magic of Moroccan cuisine. Cooking, after all, is not just about following a set of instructions – it's about creating memories, connecting with others, and preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations. And for me, the Moroccan Date Pudding will always hold a special place in my heart as a symbol of those values.