Decadent Irish Whiskey Date Cake with Luscious Toffee Sauce
This decadent Irish Whiskey Date Cake is a delightful blend of rich, moist sponge made with succulent pitted dates, perfectly complemented by a velvety whiskey-infused toffee sauce. Each slice offers a warm, spongy texture, enhanced by the luscious caramel notes from the sauce that seeps into the cake, making it irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for both celebrations and casual gatherings, this delectable dessert will leave your guests clamoring for more, making it a surefire hit at any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1.5 (cups (375 mL))
chopped pitted dates
1.33 (cups (325 mL))
baking soda
2 (teaspoons (10 mL))
unsalted butter
1 (cup, softened (250 mL))
granulated sugar
0.5 (cup (125 mL))
eggs
4 (large)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon (5 mL))
all-purpose flour
2.5 (cups (625 mL))
baking powder
2 (teaspoons (10 mL))
unsalted butter
0.75 (cup (175 mL))
dark brown sugar
1.25 (cups, packed (300 mL))
whipping cream
0.75 (cup (175 mL))
Irish whiskey
0.25 (cup (50 mL))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Irish Whiskey Date Cake?
It is a rich, moist sponge cake made with pitted dates and topped with a velvety Irish whiskey-infused toffee sauce.
What are the main flavor profiles of this cake?
The cake features succulent dates and luscious caramel notes from the toffee sauce, balanced by the warmth of Irish whiskey.
Is this recipe similar to sticky date pudding?
Yes, it is often referred to as a sticky date pudding due to its moist texture and warm toffee sauce topping.
What kind of dates should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for chopped pitted dates.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients required to make both the cake and the sauce.
What role does baking soda play in this recipe?
Baking soda is used alongside water to help soften the dates, ensuring they blend smoothly into the cake batter.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is the standard choice for this recipe's cake base.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs.
What kind of sugar is used in the cake batter?
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake sponge.
What ingredients are in the toffee sauce?
The sauce is made from unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, whipping cream, and Irish whiskey.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, though it may slightly alter the intended flavor balance of the toffee.
What type of cream is best for the toffee sauce?
Whipping cream is used to give the toffee sauce its thick, luscious, and velvety texture.
Do I have to use Irish whiskey?
Irish whiskey is a signature ingredient for this recipe, providing its unique 'Irish' character and depth of flavor.
Is the whiskey flavor very strong?
The whiskey provides a warm, sophisticated note that complements the sweet caramel, but it is balanced by the cream and sugar.
Why use dark brown sugar in the sauce?
Dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor and a richer color compared to light brown or granulated sugar.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its decadent nature makes it a perfect choice for celebrations, holidays, or dinner parties.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake has a warm, spongy, and moist texture that becomes even more indulgent as the sauce seeps into it.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is this considered an easy dessert to make?
Yes, despite its decadent results, it is tagged as an easy dessert suitable for home bakers.
How should the cake be served?
It is best served warm with the luscious toffee sauce poured generously over the top.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is classified as a comfort food and a classic Irish-inspired dessert.
Can this be made without alcohol?
While whiskey is a key component, you could theoretically substitute it with more cream or a flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
Why are the dates soaked in water?
Soaking dates in water with baking soda breaks down the fibers, resulting in a more uniform and moist cake crumb.
How much whiskey is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 0.25 cup (50 mL) of Irish whiskey.
What makes this sauce 'luscious'?
The high fat content from the butter and whipping cream creates a rich, smooth, and coating consistency.
Can I use pre-chopped dates?
Yes, as long as they are pitted, pre-chopped dates are a convenient time-saver for this recipe.
What size should the eggs be?
The recipe specifies using large eggs.
Is the butter used for the cake softened?
Yes, the 1 cup of butter for the cake should be softened to ensure it creams well with the sugar.
Does the cake contain both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, it uses baking soda for the date mixture and baking powder as a leavening agent for the flour.
Why is this cake a 'surefire hit'?
The combination of the warm date sponge and the whiskey-toffee sauce is universally loved for its rich, comforting flavor.