Introduction

This easy Orange Cardamom Date Cake with Honey Drizzle is a wonderfully aromatic one-bowl dessert. It combines the bright citrus of orange with the warm spice of cardamom and the natural sweetness of dates, all finished with a simple, sticky honey glaze. For another delightful cake, try this Pistachio Cream Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This moist and fragrant cake begins with a base of plump dates soaked in hot water, creating a luscious texture that perfectly complements the bright citrus and warm spice notes.

• 1 cup (200g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey (for the drizzle)
• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (for the drizzle)

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes this heavenly orange & cardamom date cake about 15% faster to prepare than similar recipes, getting you to that irresistible honey drizzle sooner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Dates and Preheat

Start by pitting 1 cup of Medjool dates and chopping them roughly. Place them in a heatproof bowl and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let them soak for 15–20 minutes to soften, which will make them easier to blend into a smooth paste. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2 — Create the Date-Orange Purée

Drain the soaked dates, reserving the soaking liquid. Add the dates to a food processor or blender along with the zest and juice of one large orange. Blend until you achieve a smooth, thick purée. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved date water to help it blend. This purée is the moist, flavorful base of your cake.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly ground cardamom. For the most aromatic cake, grind whole cardamom pods in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Whisking ensures the leavening agents and spice are evenly distributed for a consistent rise.

Step 4 — Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in two large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently fold in the date-orange purée. Finally, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, the top is golden brown, and the edges have just begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 6 — Prepare the Irresistible Honey Drizzle

While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine ½ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and a pinch of ground cardamom. Warm gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the mixture is thin and syrupy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools.

Step 7 — Glaze and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. While still warm, use a skewer to poke several holes over the top of the cake. Slowly pour or brush the warm honey drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and create a sticky, flavorful crust. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 320 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	10g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake provides a source of vitamin C and potassium.

Healthier Alternatives

This heavenly orange & cardamom date cake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing its indulgent character.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a richer texture and a protein boost.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the honey drizzle for a monk fruit or allulose syrup to significantly reduce the net carbs while keeping the glossy, sweet finish.
• Dairy-Free Delight — Use a high-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened almond yogurt in place of any yogurt or butter to make this cake completely dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour to create a celiac-friendly version with the same tender crumb.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit any added salt in the batter; the natural sweetness from the dates and orange provides plenty of flavor depth.
• Oil Substitute — Replace butter or oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana for a moist, reduced-fat cake with a subtle fruity note.
• Nut-Free Variation — If using nut flours or garnishes, substitute with sunflower seed flour or toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a safe and crunchy alternative.
• Refined Sugar-Free — Ensure your dates are the primary sweetener and use pure maple syrup instead of honey for the drizzle to avoid refined sugars entirely.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of thick, tangy Greek yogurt to balance the cake’s rich sweetness.
• For an elegant afternoon tea, serve smaller, delicate slices alongside a pot of spiced masala chai or strong black coffee.
• Transform it into a stunning dessert by plating with a zigzag of extra honey drizzle, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, and fresh orange segments.
• Enjoy a simple square with a cup of tea for a comforting, everyday treat that feels special.
• Perfect for festive occasions like Diwali, Eid, or Christmas gatherings, where its warm spices shine.
• For a brunch centerpiece, dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.

This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake is wonderfully versatile. Its moist texture and complex flavor profile allow it to transition seamlessly from a casual snack to the crowning glory of a celebratory meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using rock-hard, dry dates. Fix: Soak pitted dates in hot tea or orange juice for 15–20 minutes to create a perfectly moist puree.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding flour. Fix: Fold gently until just combined to avoid a dense, tough crumb in your Orange & Cardamom Date Cake.
• Mistake: Grinding cardamom seeds too far in advance. Fix: Grind seeds fresh from pods just before using to maximize their vibrant, aromatic oils.
• Mistake: Drizzling the honey glaze onto a hot cake. Fix: Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes so the irresistible honey drizzle soaks in without making it soggy.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of greasing AND lining the pan. Fix: Always use parchment paper to ensure this sticky, heavenly cake releases cleanly.
• Mistake: Not tasting the date puree before adding sugar. Fix: Dates vary in sweetness; adjust added sugar based on your puree to perfectly balance flavors.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong oven temperature. Fix: Use an oven thermometer to verify 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and ideal rise.
• Mistake: Rushing the creaming of butter and sugar. Fix: Beat for a full 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy to incorporate essential air for lift.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the cake completely, then store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until just heated through.

Always ensure leftovers are cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of baking for food safety. The irresistible honey drizzle is best added just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Orange & Cardamom Date Cake with Honey Drizzle is a truly special treat, perfect for any occasion. We hope you love baking it as much as we do. If you’re looking for another citrusy delight, try our Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this cake without cardamom?

Yes, you can substitute the cardamom with an equal amount of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. However, the warm, aromatic cardamom is a key flavor that makes this orange and date cake truly special.

What is the best way to store this cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The honey drizzle helps keep it moist. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week to fully indulge in this heavenly treat over time.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?

For the drizzle, maple syrup or agave nectar are good vegan alternatives, though they will alter the flavor profile. We highly recommend using honey for its classic, irresistible pairing with the orange and cardamom in this date cake.