1939 Canadian Date Cake... From Australia! - Old Cookbook Show

dates

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs provide a similar sweetness and texture.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index.

butter

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: margarine

Applesauce reduces fat while keeping moisture.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds are often less expensive and provide a different flavor.

Chop up dates and add baking soda and water, stir together and let sit for half an hour.

Cream the butter until light and fluffy.

Add brown sugar and mix well.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

Add the date mixture (including the water) to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture and mix.

Add flour to the mixture and mix until combined.

Fold in chopped pecans instead of walnuts.

Pour the batter into a greased tin with a parchment disc at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Make a basic vanilla icing with half a cup of butter, a teaspoon and a half of vanilla, a couple of tablespoons of cream, and icing sugar to desired consistency.

Frost the cooled cake with the vanilla icing and decorate with chopped nuts and candied cherries.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens