Caramel Cake with Dates

A cake with dates, for which the dough is kneaded on the basis of sugar caramel, is an ideal dessert. A moderately moist, aromatic cake with a crispy crust is definitely worth making such pastries for guests or home.

Summary

Ingredients

• Dried dates – 180 g
• Flour – 160 g (1 glass of 250 ml)
• Water – 120 ml
• Sugar – 100 g
• Butter – 60 g
• Eggs – 2 pcs.
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 0.2 teaspoon
• Vanillin – a pinch
• Powdered sugar – for decoration
• Fresh mint (for decoration, optional) – 1 sprig

Instructions

1. Prepare the dates: cut them in half, free them from the seeds and cut them into small cubes.
2. Pour sugar into a saucepan with a thick bottom and put on fire.
3. Heat sugar until melted and caramelized, about 3 minutes over medium heat. The caramel will acquire a characteristic aroma and amber color. The main thing is not to overexpose, otherwise the finished caramel will taste bitter.
4. Add a thin stream of hot water to a saucepan with caramel, stir until smooth and remove from heat.

   

5. Pour the caramel into a wide-rimmed bowl and place the butter in the hot caramel liquid.
6. Transfer the prepared dates to a bowl of caramel and butter. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
7. Break the eggs, separate the yolks from the whites. Place the egg whites in the beating bowl and set aside for now. Add the yolks to the butter / caramel mixture and dates. Stir.
8. Stir in the flour mixed with baking powder and vanilla, whisking into the dough.

   

9. The dough will turn out to be quite thick – it will not drain from the whisk, but fall in a lump.
10. Salt the egg whites and beat with a mixer or whisk until firm.
11. Add protein foam to the dough. Using a scooping motion from the bottom up to maintain lightness, gently stir in the egg whites into the dough.
12. The dough has become more liquid, airy and has increased in volume.
13. Grease a baking dish with butter, vegetable oil, or cover with parchment paper.
14. Bake the date muffin for 35-40 minutes. Check the readiness by piercing it with a dry wooden skewer or a regular match – if the cake is ready, the stick will remain dry.
15. Transfer the cupcake to a plate, freeing it from the parchment.
16. The cooled cake can be garnished with powdered sugar and fresh mint.
17. Slice the date and caramel muffin chilled. Such aromatic and beautiful pastries will be delicious with any drink: coffee, tea or milk.