Queen Elizabeth Date Cake Recipe

Name: Queen Elizabeth Date Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 lb dates, pitted (about 1 1/2 cups); 1/8 lb raisins (about 1/3 cup); 1/2 lb unsalted butter, cut up (to make it easier to melt); 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 eggs; 2 lemons, zest of (organic and unwaxed, if possible); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces apples, peeled and finely chopped; 1 ounce crystallized ginger, chopped if necessary (about 2 tablespoons)

Servings: persons

1/2 lb dates, pitted (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/8 lb raisins (about 1/3 cup)
1/2 lb unsalted butter, cut up (to make it easier to melt)
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 lemons, zest of (organic and unwaxed, if possible)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces apples, peeled and finely chopped
1 ounce crystallized ginger, chopped if necessary (about 2 tablespoons)

1
["Preheat oven to 300Es Fahrenheit. Line a large loaf pan (9.25""x5.25""x2.75"") with parchment and set aside. Cover the dates and raisins with boiling water and set aside.", "In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally. When the butter is totally melted, take the pan off the heat and leave to cool slightly (you don't want to cook the eggs). You can peel and chop your apple at this point if you haven't done so already.", "With a wooden spoon, beat the eggs, one at a time, into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the lemon zest and the vanilla extract.", "Beat in the flour, baking powder and salt. Make sure they are well-combined, but don't over mix.", "Drain the dates and raisins. Peel the dates if they have a tough outer skin. Chop them up. Stir into the cake batter with the raisins, chopped apple and ginger.", "Pour batter into prepared tin and bake, in the middle of the oven, for about 2 hours, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Check early to be sure not to bake too long. You want the cake to be moist. Cool the cake in its tin."]

1064

kcal

Calories

Fat

142

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 lb dates, pitted (about 1 1/2 cups), 1/8 lb raisins (about 1/3 cup), 1/2 lb unsalted butter, cut up (to make it easier to melt), 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed, and more.

Yes, Queen Elizabeth Date Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Queen Elizabeth Date Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions