Date Loaf Cake Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Date Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that has been enjoyed by people for generations. Dating back to the early 1900s, this recipe has been a staple in many households and is cherished for its rich flavors and moist texture. The combination of dates, raisins, and citrus peel adds a unique twist and a burst of sweetness to every bite.

Interestingly, the use of dates in desserts can be traced back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians were known to enjoy these fruits and often used them in baking. Dates were considered a symbol of fertility and were often used in religious ceremonies.

The addition of coffee to this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also provides a subtle richness to the cake. Coffee has been used as a flavor enhancer in baked goods for centuries and is known to bring out the chocolate and caramel notes in the ingredients.

Dr. Price's Baking Powder, mentioned in the recipe, was a popular brand of baking powder in the early 1900s. It was commonly used in many household recipes and was trusted for its reliable leavening properties.

Now without further ado, let's dive into the delightful recipe for Date Loaf Cake:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup strong coffee
- 1/3 cup rich milk or cream
- 1-3/4 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1/2 lb. raisins, cut into small pieces
- 1/8 lb. slice citron
- 1/4 lb. figs, cut in strips

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until it becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Add the light brown sugar to the creamed shortening and mix well until fully combined.

4. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add the egg yolks to the creamed mixture and mix until well incorporated.

5. Pour in the strong coffee and rich milk or cream. Mix until all the wet ingredients are well combined.

6. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and Dr. Price's Baking Powder. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no lumps.

7. Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gradually until a smooth batter forms.

8. In a separate bowl, combine the raisins, citron, and figs. Lightly flour the fruit mixture, as this will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

9. Carefully fold the floured fruit mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.

10. In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, ensuring not to overmix.

11. Grease a loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray, ensuring all sides are well coated to prevent sticking.

12. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

13. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for one to one and a half hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

14. Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

15. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

This Date Loaf Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family gathering or a tea party with friends. The rich flavors of dates, raisins, and citrus combine harmoniously with the moist and tender cake, ensuring a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy the flavors in this Date Loaf Cake, you may also want to try similar recipe dishes. One such dish is Sticky Toffee Pudding, a British classic known for its indulgent toffee sauce poured over a moist date cake. The combination of dates and toffee creates a luscious and irresistible dessert.

Another similar dish is the Middle Eastern dessert, Date Maamoul. Maamoul is a type of filled cookie made with a buttery semolina dough and a sweet stuffing, often using dates. The dates are usually mixed with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg before being gently wrapped in the dough and baked until golden brown.

Whether you indulge in Date Loaf Cake, Sticky Toffee Pudding, or Date Maamoul, one thing is for sure - these treats will satisfy your sweet tooth and transport you to a world of delightful flavors and textures. Enjoy baking and savoring these time-honored desserts!

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