Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with this Vegan Date Cake Recipe that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Dates bring natural sweetness and a rich, caramel-like depth that transforms this cake into an irresistible treat.
Whether you’re vegan, health-conscious, or just craving a moist, flavorful dessert, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
This recipe uses simple, natural ingredients to create a soft, tender crumb with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for any occasion – from a cozy afternoon tea to a festive celebration.
Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste with a few creative twists. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious, guilt-free indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan date cake is a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Dates are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars that provide energy without the crash.
The cake itself is moist and tender, with a rich flavor profile enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Unlike traditional cakes, this one is made without eggs, dairy, or refined sugar, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions. The use of plant-based milk and oil keeps it light yet satisfying.
Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Once you try this cake, you may also enjoy exploring other delightful vegan recipes like Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the tasty Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for a complete plant-based culinary adventure.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medjool Dates, pitted and chopped | 1 cup (150g) |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Boiling water | 1 cup (240ml) |
| All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) | 2 cups (250g) |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Light brown sugar | ¾ cup (150g) |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ½ cup (120g) |
| Vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola) | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Almond milk (or any plant-based milk) | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | ½ cup (50g) |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Knife and chopping board (for dates and nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dates: Place the chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir gently and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This softens the dates and activates the baking soda for a tender crumb.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Mix the soaked date mixture (including the water) into the wet ingredients. Stir well to combine. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch and texture.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For an extra moist cake, try adding a tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as an egg replacer.
Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of almond extract to the batter for a delightful aromatic twist.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, drizzle some maple syrup over the top after baking or serve with a vegan glaze.
For a festive touch, sprinkle with shredded coconut or chopped dark vegan chocolate.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, approx. 1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars (natural from dates & sugar) | 18g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan date cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also serve it as a delightful dessert after dinner, topped with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
For a wholesome breakfast option, enjoy a slice alongside your favorite plant-based yogurt and fresh berries. This cake also travels well, making it a fantastic treat for picnics or potlucks.
Don’t forget to check out other complementary recipes like the refreshing Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the vibrant Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor to expand your vegan culinary repertoire.
Conclusion
This vegan date cake is a wonderful testament to how plant-based ingredients can create moist, flavorful, and satisfying baked goods. The natural sweetness of dates combined with warming spices makes for a comforting treat that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough to fit into your everyday routine yet special enough to impress at gatherings.
Beyond being delicious, this cake is a nourishing option that aligns with a mindful, plant-based lifestyle. I encourage you to experiment with the variations and make it your own.
For more inspiring recipes and helpful tips, explore the wide range of vegan dishes on this blog. Happy baking and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Date Cake
Description: A moist and naturally sweet vegan date cake perfect for any occasion. Made with wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- Soak chopped dates in boiling water with baking soda for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add soaked dates (with liquid) and almond milk to the wet mixture.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 38 g
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