Lebanese Date Cake

What is Lebanese Date Cake?

It’s a classic Lebanese dessert that combines dried dates with simple baking ingredients, then you sprinkle some roughly crushed pistachios on top.

Unlike most cakes, Lebanese date cake relies on the dates’ natural sweetness.  The dried dates are chopped and turned into an almost marmalade consistency before being combined with the rest of the batter.

While you might think fresh dates would be better for this cake recipe, dried dates have a more intense flavor — and are available year-round.

So, you can make this delicious, moist date cake any time of the year. 

You’re in the mood for some light snacks before this treat? Then, have some Lebanese flatbread and traditional falafel. 🙂

Oh! And if you still have some pitted, dried dates left, try these Lebanese date cookies too!

Ingredients

• Flour – you only need all-purpose flour for making this cake with dates.

• Dried dates – pitted and chopped finely to prepare for cooking.

• Butter – unsalted and softened.

• Sugar – you only need it for the cake batter, so caster sugar would be great.

• Eggs – medium-sized eggs (63 to 73 grams per piece).

• Baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon – just use your favorite brand.

• Pistachios – shelled and roughly chopped; use more if you intend to garnish each slice when serving.

How to make Lebanese date cake

Start by boiling a cup of water in a small saucepan.

Once it’s ready, carefully add the chopped dried dates.

Adjust the heat to low and stir briefly to submerge the dates in the water.

Sprinkle the baking soda — do this SLOWLY and CAREFULLY to avoid making too many bubbles (and possible overflowing).

Keep stirring for 10 minutes until you get a thick texture.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Prepare a 23-cm (9-inch) round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing and dusting it with flour — do what you prefer.

Strain the following dry ingredients:  flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.

Using a larger bowl, combine softened butter and sugar.

Mix until creamy, then add the eggs.

Continue mixing, then add the cooled dates’ mixture.

Mix to combine everything evenly.

Add the sifted dry ingredients from earlier — and fold carefully to combine.

Do not overmix; mix just enough to combine the dry and wet ingredients.

Transfer the date cake batter into the prepared cake pan, then use a spatula to smooth the top.

Place your cake pan in the lower part of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool, before transferring to a plate.

Chop the pistachios roughly and sprinkle them over the cooled cake.

Now your Lebanese date cake is ready to slice — serve with your favorite beverage!

Recipe variation

• Using a food processor.  Instead of chopping, you can use a food processor to chop the dried dates. Note that some of them will turn out to be paste-like and totally disappear in the date cake batter.

• Other chopped nuts.  Chopped blanched almonds or walnuts are excellent alternatives to pistachios.

So, whether you’re new to Lebanese desserts or already a fan of Middle Eastern flavors, this homemade date cake recipe is a keeper.

And if you enjoyed this traditional Lebanese treat, be sure to explore the rest of the traditional Lebanese recipes — bringing the vibrant flavors of Lebanon straight into your kitchen!