Finnish Date Cake Taatelikakku
Delight in the warm, spiced flavors of Finnish Date Cake (Taatelikakku), a classic Nordic treat that perfectly balances indulgence with natural sweetness. This moist, tender cake is made with pitted dates simmered into a rich paste, creating an irresistibly soft texture and caramel-like depth. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, this recipe captures the comforting essence of Scandinavian baking. Perfect as an afternoon fika treat or a festive holiday dessert, this easy-to-make loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. With just 20 minutes of prep and a heavenly aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, Taatelikakku is sure to become a favorite for cozy gatherings and simple moments alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams pitted dates
- 200 milliliters water
- 150 grams unsalted butter
- 150 grams granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces. Place them in a small saucepan with 200 milliliters of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the dates for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and break down into a thick paste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Add the slightly cooled date mixture to the batter and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3263 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.0 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.5 g | 392% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 704 mg | 235% | |
| Sodium | 1664 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 498.3 g | 181% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.8 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 317.7 g | ||
| Protein | 39.0 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2148 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
