Classic Sticky Date Cake

Name: Classic Sticky Date Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar for the sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream for the sauce; 1/4 cup butter for the sauce

This is a rich and cozy cake filled with sweet dates and topped with a buttery caramel sauce.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· British· October 27, 2026

easy.enzo81.xyz

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Total

50 minutes

Serves

There is something so satisfying about a warm sticky date cake on a chilly evening. It is moist, sweet, and feels like a total treat without being overly complicated to put together in your own kitchen.

My favorite trick for this recipe is to make sure you chop the dates quite finely. This helps them melt into the batter so every single bite is perfectly soft and sweet.

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup brown sugar for the sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream for the sauce
1/4 cup butter for the sauce

8Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a round cake pan.
2
Place the chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the dates are soft.
3
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4
Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
5
Stir in the date mixture along with the soaking liquid.
6
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7
While the cake cools slightly, combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
8
Poke a few holes in the top of the warm cake and pour half the sauce over it. Serve the rest of the sauce on the side.

Tips

Serve this cake warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and warm them up in the microwave before eating.

#dessert #cake #sweet #comfort food #vegetarian

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