4 December, 2023
Dates and Nuts Cake Recipe | Eggless Recipe
Today I’m excited to share my recipe for a scrumptious “Dates and Nuts Cake” that is not only delicious but also Egg-Free and made of Whole Wheat Flour. The absence of eggs doesn’t compromise the cake’s softness and moistness. Instead, it offers a lighter, crumblier texture that’s a delight to savor. This cake is moistened by dates.
Significance of Eggless Baking
Eggless baking caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, accommodating those allergic to eggs or following a vegetarian lifestyle. Additionally, it promotes sustainability and reduces negative environmental impact.
Why Choose Whole Wheat Flour?
When preparing cakes, I opt for whole wheat flour over refined flour. This choice not only enhances the nutritional profile of the cake but also adds a delightful texture and flavor. Whole wheat flour brings in a richer taste, along with fiber and nutrients, making this cake a healthier choice for my daily indulgence. Plus, the natural sweetness from dates and the crunchiness from nuts make it more delicious and nutritious.
Variations and Substitutions
The cake batter usually consists of basic ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, and sometimes other ingredients such as vanilla essence and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves are also added for warmth and aroma.
It can be baked in various forms such as loaf cakes, round cakes, or even as cupcakes. They are versatile and can be customized to suit personal preferences by adjusting the types and amounts of dried fruits and nuts used, as well as the choice of sweeteners and spices. Some recipes call for the cake to be soaked in brandy or rum after baking, which helps to enhance the flavors and keep the cake moist.
Let’s dive into the recipe.
Dates and Nuts Cake Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
| 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (Atta) |
| 2 cups Milk |
| 1 cup or 150 grams Dates (Deseeded & Chopped) |
| 1 cup Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter) |
| 1 cup Sugar (either granulated or powdered) |
| ½ tsp Baking Soda |
| ½ tsp Baking Powder |
| Nuts and Dried Fruits (Almonds, Cashews, Raisins) |
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preparing Milk & Dates Mixture:
- Take a pan and add Milk, deseeded Dates and Sugar to it. Cook these three ingredients together for 3 to 4 minutes or until one boil only. (I’m using granulated/regular sugar here).
- After a boil, turn off the flame.
- Allow the mixture to cool down at room temperature.
- Once it cools, transfer the mixture to a mixer grinder and blend it to form a smooth mixture.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, sieve and combine all dry ingredients; Whole Wheat Flour, Baking Soda and Baking Powder.
3. Creating the Batter:
- Add the prepared Dates and Milk mixture to the Dry Ingredients mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter consistency. Properly combining dry and wet ingredients without leaving lumps is crucial. Gentle folding techniques can help create a uniform batter.
- Now add melted Ghee (Clarified Butter) to it and mix it again. If the ghee is not melted, then heat it a little bit.
- Mix well.
- Avoid excessive stirring, which leads to gluten development and rough cake texture. Mix the batter until just combined to retain a tender texture.
4. Baking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven at 180 degrees celsius for 10 minutes.
- Grease a baking tray with any oil or ghee.
- Add some chopped almonds and cashews at the bottom of the tray before pouring the batter. Don’t add raisins at the bottom as it will get stuck to the bottom while baking.
- Now start pouring the batter into the tray and add some more nuts in between too. Add raisins also in between.
- After pouring the entire batter, spread the batter evenly or tap it on the countertop.
- Top it with some more chopped nuts. Avoid using raisins at top too as it gets burnt quickly.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 1 hour at 180 degrees celsius. It takes 1 hour to bake in my oven.
- Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the cake to check for the doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Eggless baking with whole wheat flour offers a healthier alternative without compromising taste or texture. This recipe for dates and nuts cake is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. By using these simple yet healthy ingredients, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence. However, moderation is key due to its sugar and ghee content.
Soft and moist Date Cakes with a crunch of nuts are delightful treats, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee or as a sweet ending to a meal.
