Orange Date Nut Cake: A Christmas Comfort Food
Introduction
The Orange Date Nut Cake is a cherished recipe handed down from my husband’s mother, originating from the “River Road Recipes” cookbook, first published in 1959 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This cake holds a special place as one of our Christmas comfort foods, offering a delightful combination of rich flavors and festive nostalgia. Its moist, nutty texture, coupled with the vibrant zest of orange and the sweetness of dates, makes it a perfect treat for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Recipe Details
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, Nuts, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 cake
Serving Size: Varies
Ingredients
- Butter: 3/4 cup
- Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 3
- Flour: 3 cups
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Dates: 1 cup, chopped
- Pecans: 1 cup, chopped
- Orange rind: Grated from 1 orange
- Orange juice: From 1 orange
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup
Nutritional Information (per cake)
- Calories: 5860.7
- Fat Content: 238.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 100.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 1010.3mg
- Sodium Content: 2090.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 884.9g
- Fiber Content: 35.6g
- Sugar Content: 562.7g
- Protein Content: 82.5g
Instructions
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by creaming 3/4 cup of butter with 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process ensures a well-aerated batter, crucial for a moist and tender cake.
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Add Eggs: Incorporate 3 eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps in emulsifying the batter, resulting in a uniform texture.
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Sift Flour and Soda: In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Sifting aerates the flour and ensures the even distribution of the baking soda, which is essential for the cake’s rise.
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Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Buttermilk: Gradually add 2 cups of the sifted flour and soda mixture to the batter, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain the batter’s consistency.
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Incorporate Dates, Nuts, and Orange Rind: Fold in 1 cup of chopped dates, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and the grated rind of one orange. These ingredients add texture and flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a tube pan or angel food cake pan. Proper preparation of the pan prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it releases easily after baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 1 hour. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the cake is baking, grate the rind of another orange and combine it with the juice from the orange and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. This sauce will add an extra layer of moisture and flavor to the cake.
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Soak the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour half of the sauce mixture gradually over the cake while it is still in the pan. The hot cake will absorb the sauce, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
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Cool and Invert: After about 15 minutes, invert the pan onto a cake plate. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sides of the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely. This cake is best served cold, and it’s advisable not to slice it while warm as it might crumble.
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Storage: The cake will stay fresh for one to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together over time, making it even more delicious after a few days.
Tips and Variations
- Nut Options: While pecans are a traditional choice, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Variations: Try adding other dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to enhance the cake’s texture and taste.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the cake, making it even more festive.
- Presentation: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
The Orange Date Nut Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of family history and a celebration of festive flavors. Whether served at a Christmas gathering or enjoyed as a weeknight treat, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Its rich, moist texture, combined with the sweet and tangy notes of dates and orange, creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and indulgent. As you bake this cake, you’ll not only be creating a delicious dessert but also continuing a cherished tradition that brings loved ones together.
