Indulge in a Heavenly Orange & Cardamom Date Cake with Irresistible Honey Drizzle – Easy Mediterranean Dessert Recipe
Indulge in the heavenly flavors of orange and cardamom date cake topped with irresistible honey drizzle. This moist, spiced cake blends sweet dates, warm cardamom, and bright citrus for a truly unique dessert. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress with a Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Saucepan (for softening dates & honey drizzle)
- Zester & juicer
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- ½ cup warm orange juice (for soaking dates)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp ground cardamom (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup honey (for drizzle)
- Optional: chopped pistachios or walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Soak chopped dates in warm orange juice for 10 minutes. Drain and mash lightly.
- Make Batter: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in orange zest, juice, and cardamom.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Stir in softened dates.
- Bake: Pour batter into a greased, parchment-lined cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, until golden and skewer comes out clean.
- Honey Drizzle: Warm honey with a splash of orange juice. Pour over cooled cake for glossy finish.
- Serve: Rest cake overnight for deeper flavor. Slice and serve with tea or coffee.
Notes
- Use fresh, moist dates for best texture.
- Freshly ground cardamom delivers superior aroma.
- Don’t overbake—remove when golden and skewer is clean.
- Garnish with candied orange peel, nuts, or powdered sugar for festive flair.
- Warm slightly before serving to enhance flavors.