Classic Sticky Date Cake

Name: Classic Sticky Date Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup butter for the sauce; 1 cup brown sugar for the sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream for the sauce

A rich and comforting cake packed with sweet dates and served with a decadent sauce.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· British· October 26, 2026

enzo81.xyz

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Total

50 minutes

Serves

This sticky date cake is a true classic that never goes out of style. The combination of tender cake and deep, caramel like sweetness makes it the perfect treat to serve when you want something warm and cozy after a big meal.

My best advice is to make sure your dates are chopped very finely so you get a bit of sweetness in every single bite. Do not skip the sauce, as that is really what makes this dessert so special.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter for the sauce
1 cup brown sugar for the sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream for the sauce

8Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a round cake pan.
2
Place the chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl, then pour the boiling water over them. Let this sit for 10 minutes.
3
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well combined.
5
Fold in the flour and baking powder, then stir in the date mixture along with the soaking liquid.
6
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7
While the cake bakes, combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
8
Poke holes in the warm cake with a skewer and pour half the sauce over it, letting it soak in before serving the rest on the side.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to serve it the next day, simply warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before adding a fresh drizzle of warm sauce.

#dessert #cake #sweet #comfort food

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