Puzzle Cake Recipe
Welcome to Love With Recipes! This delightful Puzzle Cake is a dessert thatโs as fun to make as it is to eat. With a unique combination of dates, coconut, and a crumbly topping, it’s a perfect treat for your family or guests. Itโs easy to put together and bakes in just under an hour. Hereโs how you can make this delicious cake thatโll surely become a favorite in your home.
Puzzle Cake: An Irresistible Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 694
Keywords: Dessert, < 60 minutes, Oven-Baked
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious Puzzle Cake. Be sure to gather everything beforehand to make the process smoother.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (softened) | 3/4 cup |
| Dates (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Egg whites | 3 |
Nutritional Information
Puzzle Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert. Hereโs a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving to help you track what you’re eating:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 694 kcal |
| Total Fat | 38.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 61 mg |
| Sodium | 271.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 84.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g |
| Sugars | 53.9 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
Instructions
The steps to make this Puzzle Cake are simple, but the end result is packed with layers of flavor. Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious cake!
-
Prepare the Filling:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dates, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (you can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer). Set this mixture aside. This will form the sweet filling for your cake. -
Whip the Egg Whites:
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Once they are firm, gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. -
Combine with Date Mixture:
Gently fold the date-coconut mixture into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much. This will help create a light and airy filling for your cake. -
Prepare the Crumb Mixture:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. -
Set Aside Half of the Crumbs:
Set aside half of the crumb mixture to use later as a topping for your cake. -
Assemble the Cake:
Grease and lightly flour an 8×12-inch baking pan. Take the remaining crumb mixture and evenly spread it across the bottom of the pan. Pat it down gently to form a compact base layer. -
Bake the Crust:
Place the pan in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. -
Add the Filling:
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully spread the date-coconut filling over the baked crumb crust. Make sure itโs evenly distributed. -
Top with Reserved Crumbs:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the filling. This will form a crumbly topping that adds texture and flavor. -
Final Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel firm when you gently press on it. -
Cool and Serve:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set properly and makes for easier serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Puzzle Cake
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding different dried fruits such as apricots or raisins. You can also swap the nuts for your favorite variety, such as pecans or cashews.
- Serve with Ice Cream: If you want to make this dessert extra indulgent, serve each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If youโd like to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Why Youโll Love This Puzzle Cake
Puzzle Cake is a satisfying dessert that combines a variety of textures and flavors. The rich, gooey filling is balanced perfectly by the crumbly base and topping, and the sweetness from the dates and coconut is just the right amount of indulgence. Whether youโre hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself after a long week, this cake is sure to be a hit.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this Puzzle Cake as much as we do. For more recipes like this, visit Love With Recipes for a collection of delicious desserts and other mouthwatering dishes. Happy baking!
