Orange-Date Cake
Orange-Date Cake Recipe from Oman
Introduction
Orange-Date Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the sweet flavors of dates with the citrusy taste of oranges. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
The combination of oranges and dates in a cake is a classic flavor pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a favorite among many home bakers.
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup margarine or butter (room temperature or melted)
- 1 cup white flour
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (or substitute white sugar)
- 1 tsp finely shredded orange peel
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (or other nuts)
- 0.5 cup chopped pitted dates
- powdered sugar (optional)
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, beat the margarine and sugar together.
- Add half of the flour, orange peel, half of the orange juice, egg, and baking powder.
- Continue beating until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Beat in the remaining flour and orange juice.
- Stir in the nuts and dates.
- Pour the batter into a lightly greased and floured 9" by 13" cake pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool.
- If desired, sift powdered sugar over the top.
- Cut the cake into slices and serve.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Substitute dried apricots or figs for the dates for a different twist on the recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use fresh orange juice and orange peel for the best flavor.
- Be sure to chop the dates and nuts finely to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Orange-Date Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses the creaming method to incorporate the butter and sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.
- If you don't have dates, you can substitute raisins or dried cranberries.
Make Ahead Tips
Orange-Date Cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Presentation Ideas
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Orange-Date Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Orange-Date Cake contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Orange-Date Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Orange-Date Cake contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Orange-Date Cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Orange-Date Cake is a good source of vitamin C from the oranges and vitamin E from the nuts.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts and eggs.
Summary
Orange-Date Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
Orange-Date Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and citrusy flavors, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Orange-Date Cake. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking from my mother and grandmother. The recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and I was thrilled to finally have the chance to learn how to make it.
I can still picture the old, weathered recipe card that my grandmother pulled out of her recipe box that day. The faded handwriting and splattered stains told a story of years of use and love. As she read the ingredients aloud to me, I could practically taste the sweet, citrusy flavors of the cake in my mind.
The recipe called for simple ingredients that were easily found in our kitchen: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, dates, and of course, fresh oranges. But it was the combination of these ingredients and the way they were mixed together that created the magic of the Orange-Date Cake.
As my grandmother began to show me how to make the cake, I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped the butter and sugar together until they were light and fluffy. She then added the eggs one at a time, beating them in gently to create a smooth, creamy batter.
Next came the flour, sifted in slowly to ensure a light and tender crumb. But it was the addition of the chopped dates and the freshly squeezed orange juice and zest that truly made the cake special. The sweet, sticky dates added a rich, caramel flavor, while the bright, citrusy orange balanced out the sweetness perfectly.
As the cake baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scent of oranges and dates. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for it to cool enough to slice into. And when I finally did, the cake was everything I had imagined and more. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, it was a true masterpiece.
From that day on, the Orange-Date Cake became a staple in our family. It was the dessert we turned to for special occasions, birthdays, holidays, and even just for a simple Sunday supper. My grandmother passed the recipe down to me, and I have since shared it with my own children and grandchildren, keeping the tradition alive for future generations.
Over the years, I have made the cake countless times, each time with love and care, just as my grandmother taught me. And with each bite, I am transported back to that day in her kitchen, filled with wonder and excitement as I learned to make something truly special.
The recipe for Orange-Date Cake is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a piece of my family's history, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in the simple act of baking. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Categories
| Dates Recipes | Omani Desserts | Omani Recipes |