Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

Absolutely, substitute all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend to maintain the desired texture.

Can I substitute dates with another fruit?

Yes, figs or raisins can be used as alternatives, although they will change the flavor profile slightly.

How can I make the cake dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and almond milk to avoid dairy products while maintaining texture and taste.

Is it possible to make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Re-whisk before drizzling over the cake.

Moroccan Almond-Spiced Date Cake with Orange Zest Glaze

Name: Moroccan Almond-Spiced Date Cake with Orange Zest Glaze
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Pitted dates, chopped; Almond flour; All-purpose flour; Baking powder; Baking soda; Ground cinnamon; Ground cardamom; Ground cloves; Salt; Sugar; Unsalted butter, softened; Large eggs; Vanilla extract; Powdered sugar; Freshly squeezed orange juice; Orange zest; Almond milk or regular milk

A rich, aromatic cake imbued with spices and topped with a citrus glaze.

This Moroccan-inspired cake is packed with dates and almonds, offering a moist texture with warm spices and a tangy orange glaze to finish.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Cake

Pitted dates, chopped

2 cups

Almond flour

1 cup

All-purpose flour

1 cup

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Baking soda

1 teaspoon

Ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon

Ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon

Ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Sugar

3/4 cup

Unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup

Large eggs

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

For the Orange Zest Glaze

Powdered sugar

1 cup

Freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tablespoons

Orange zest

1 tablespoon

Almond milk or regular milk

1 tablespoon

Preparation

Preparing the Cake Batter

Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.

Combine and Fold in Dates

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining well. Fold in the chopped dates. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Ensure dates are finely chopped to avoid sinking to the bottom during baking.

Making the Orange Zest Glaze

Whisk Glaze Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and milk until smooth and slightly runny.

For a more intense orange flavor, add a little more zest to the glaze.

Adjust Consistency

Adjust consistency as needed by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Cooking Process

Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the orange zest glaze evenly over the top.

Plating & Serving