Date Cake

Today I have discovered the recipe for a cake my parents actually enjoy. I've had my fair share of concerns about date cake and other dried fruit cakes because they were always dry and too sweet. Some clever substitutions later, and I've discovered a mildly sweet, super moist, and family favorite date cake).

Adapted from Simmer to Slimmer.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c seedless dates, chopped

• 1 1/2 c water

• 1 t baking soda

• 1/4 c unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 c yogurt (sub additional butter)

• 1/4 c sugar

• 2 eggs, sightly beaten

• 1/2 t vanilla extract

• 1 c all purpose flour

• 1/2 c whole wheat flour

• 1/4 t salt

• 2 t baking powder

• Powdered sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Bring butter to room temperature to soften (or if you forgot to do this hours in advance, microwave at 30% power until softened).

2. Bring the water to a boil. Add in chopped dates and cook for 5 minutes. Take off the heat, add baking soda, mix, and let cool for 15 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Mix together well.

4. Add both flours, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix together well.

5. Puree the date mixture (including the water) until smooth. Add to the batter and mix together well.

6. Line a 8 inch square pan with parchment paper or grease. Pour the batter into the pan.

7. Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes.

8. Cool completely before decorating with powdered sugar.