Date and walnut cake

Ingredients:

Directions:

Prepare the Dates:

Remove the pits from the 250g of dates and chop them into quarters.
Place the chopped dates in a frying pan with 1/4 cup warm milk. Heat over medium flame for 20-25 minutes until the milk warms up and the dates soften.

Blend the Mixture:

In a blender, add 1/2 cup oil and 1/3 cup sugar. Blend until the sugar dissolves.
Add the soaked dates and milk mixture to the blender and blend for 2 minutes until smooth.

Add the Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time to the blender, blending well after each addition to incorporate them thoroughly.

Prepare the Batter:

Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.
Sift 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder together, then gently fold into the date mixture.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix gently.

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Grease a baking pan with oil and line it with butter paper.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and decorate with walnuts or almonds on top.

Bake the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Alternatively, if you don’t have an oven, use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stove. Preheat the pan, place a trivet, and set the baking pan on top. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes on low heat.

Cool and Serve:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Add a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy as a snack with fresh fruit on the side.

Cooking Tips:

Ensure the dates are soft and juicy for the best texture.

Blend the mixture thoroughly for a smooth, even batter.

If using a pan on the stove, keep the flame low to prevent burning.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon in the batter.