Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup (packed) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped Medjool dates, non-dairy milk, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the dates are soft and the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda; the mixture will bubble up. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted vegan butter, cane sugar, and molasses until well combined and smooth. Then add the cooled date mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Make the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no dry flour is visible. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare the Bakeware: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the cake bakes, melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and non-dairy milk, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm slices drizzled generously with the vegan caramel sauce and a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side.
Notes
- Medjool dates can be substituted with any soft, natural dates, but Medjool adds the best texture and sweetness.
- If non-dairy milk is not available, regular milk can be substituted unless strictly vegan.
- Make sure to chill the cake before slicing if you prefer a firmer texture.
- The caramel sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to a week and gently reheated before serving.
- This cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Western
- Diet: Vegan