English cake

Name: English cake
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.

Dessert - English cake by Caterina J. - Recipia

English Date Cake with Dates and Caramel A cake that combines sweetness with the rich flavors of dates and a decadent caramel sauce, this recipe is the perfect choice for a quick and impressive dessert. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the English date cake is sure to win you over. Plus, it's a simple recipe, accessible to any cooking enthusiast who wants to bring a touch of magic to the kitchen. Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Number of servings: 12 Necessary ingredients: For the cake: - 200 g pitted dates - 150 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer) - 100 g brown sugar - 1 vanilla paste (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) - 3 large eggs - 200 g ground walnuts - A pinch of salt - 300 g flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 3 tablespoons sugar syrup (made from 5 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water) For the caramel: - 150 g sugar - 100 ml liquid cream - 10 g instant coffee (optional, for a more intense flavor) - 50 g margarine Preparing the sugar syrup: Start by preparing the sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, add 5 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and boil the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and turns into a clear syrup. Once obtained, let it cool to room temperature. Preparing the date puree: Meanwhile, place the pitted dates in a small saucepan, cover them with water, and boil for a few minutes until they become soft. Once boiled, drain the water and puree the dates in a blender or with a fork until you obtain a smooth puree. Let it cool. Preparing the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix the margarine with the brown sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the vanilla paste and the eggs, one at a time, continuing to mix. Make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next one. Add the cooled sugar syrup and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Incorporate the ground walnuts and date puree. Then, sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture and gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air. Baking the cake: Prepare a baking tray, greased with margarine and lined with flour. Pour the cake batter into the tray and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely. Preparing the caramel sauce: To prepare the caramel, place the sugar in a clean saucepan over medium heat. Leave it without stirring until it caramelizes and turns an amber color. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly. Once the caramel is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the liquid cream and instant coffee (if using), stirring carefully to avoid splashing. Then, add the margarine and mix until completely melted. Serving the cake: Slice the cake and serve it with caramel sauce on top. You can garnish it with ground walnuts for a more elegant look. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee, adding flavor to your moments of indulgence. Nutritional benefits: Dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Additionally, brown sugar and walnuts provide a healthy supply of fats, proteins, and vitamins. Although it is a dessert, moderate consumption of this cake can offer nutritional benefits. Interesting variations: If you want to add a surprise element, you can replace half of the ground walnuts with almonds or add chopped dark chocolate to the cake batter. You can also experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex taste. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use butter instead of margarine? Of course! Butter will add a richer flavor to the cake. Make sure it is at room temperature for better incorporation. 2. How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage, ensuring it is well wrapped. 3. Can I use other dried fruits? Certainly! You can experiment with raisins, figs, or dried apricots. Each addition will give the cake a unique flavor. I hope you enjoy this recipe for English date cake with dates and caramel. I wish you much success in the kitchen!