Date Walnut Cake
Also known as Queen Elizabeth cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Dates, chopped
- 1 ¼ cup Boiled Water
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter, softened
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1½ cup Plain Flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ cup Walnuts,chopped (or use cashew nuts if walnuts are not available)
For Icing:
- 5 Tbsp Light brown sugar
- 5 Tbsp Heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1½ cup Almond flakes (Slivered almonds)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F/ 176°c. Lightly butter a 9 x 12-inch baking pan and then sprinkle the surface lightly with flour, or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
2. To a bowl add the dates and baking soda, and pour boiling water over them. Let mixture stand for a while.
3. In a larger bowl or mixer, cream together the butter and sugar, till light.
4. Add egg and vanilla, and beat well.
5. Add the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
6. Now pour in the date mixture and stir well till well incorporated and then add nuts. Stir.
7. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center, comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to rest.
The Icing on top of the Cake:
In a small saucepan combine the butter(2Tbsp), cream(5Tbsp) and light brown sugar(2Tbsp).
Bring to a bubble and boil for 2-3 minutes, while stirring.
Pour over the cake and allow it to drizzle over the sides. Scatter the slivered Amonds, over the top while the icing is warm, so that it will set in once cool.
