The Famous Apple Date Cake from Vintage Recipe Box 400 is a rich, moist cake that marries the sweetness of dates with the tartness of Michigan Flavorbest apples. Topped with a coconut-brown sugar mixture that caramelizes under the broiler, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Handwritten on a lined index card in blue ballpoint pen, this recipe is a testament to classic baking traditions that have stood the test of time.
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Famous Apple Date Cake
Food History
Apple date cake combines two ingredients with deep culinary roots. Dates have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, prized for their natural sweetness and energy-boosting properties. They became popular in Western baking in the early 20th century, especially in the United States, where they were often paired with other fruits like apples in cakes and bread.
Michigan, known as a top apple-producing state, has long been associated with high-quality apples like Flavorbest. The use of these apples in baking highlights their versatility and ability to add natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. Cakes like this one became especially popular in the mid-1900s, a time when homemakers sought recipes that were both comforting and economical.
Looking for the perfect recipe? Scroll through our library of Vintage Apple Cake Recipes to find your new favorite.
Timeline
- Early 20th Century: Dates are introduced into Western baking, often paired with other fruits in cakes.
- Mid-1900s: Michigan apples, such as Flavorbest, are celebrated for their use in baking, leading to recipes like this apple date cake.
- Today: Apple date cake remains a beloved dessert, enjoyed for its rich flavors and nostalgic appeal.
Recipe Discussion
The Famous Apple Date Cake recipe stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The chopped dates and apples are softened in boiling water and baking soda, which not only enhances their flavor but also makes the cake incredibly moist. The batter, enriched with a blend of shortening, sugar, and eggs, is alternately mixed with the cooled apple mixture and sifted flour, ensuring a tender crumb.
The cake is baked in a 9×13-inch pan and topped with a decadent mixture of melted butter, coconut, brown sugar, and milk. This topping is spread on the hot cake and briefly broiled until caramelized, creating a delightful contrast between the soft cake and the slightly crispy topping.
Apple Day is celebrated on October 21st, a perfect occasion to enjoy a slice of apple cake.
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Preparation Tips
- Apple Preparation: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. Ensure the apples are chopped into even pieces to cook uniformly.
- Mixing the Batter: Alternate the addition of the apple mixture and flour to the creamed sugar to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
- Broiling the Topping: When broiling the topping, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The coconut and sugar should just start to brown and bubble.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing, which helps the topping set and makes serving easier.
Recommended Products for Making Famous Apple Date Cake
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- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: A must-have for baking this cake evenly.
- Heavy Saucepan: Ideal for melting the topping ingredients and achieving a smooth, caramelized finish.
- Pastry Brush: Useful for spreading the topping evenly across the cake.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of this cake with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet treat.
- As a Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Holiday Gatherings: This cake is perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a nostalgic flavor that guests will love.
Discover the Comfort of Apple Date Cake
The Famous Apple Date Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of culinary history that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a simple treat, this cake is sure to delight. For more apple-based desserts and classic cake recipes, explore our collection of apple recipes and cake recipes to discover more delicious ideas for your kitchen.
Famous Apple Date Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup MICHIGAN FLAVORBEST APPLES, chopped
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
Topping
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
- 1 cup coconut
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine apples, dates, boiling water and soda.
- Set aside and let cool.
- Meanwhile cream shortening and sugar till light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
- Alternately add cooled apple and flour mixtures to the sugar mixture.
- Add nuts last and pour into 9x13 inch greased and floured pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Topping
- Combine topping ingredients in a small heavy saucepan and heat until sugar bubbles.
- Spread on hot cake.
- Place under broiler and watch carefully until slightly brown.