I couldn’t pick just one favourite ingredient for this cake—so I combined them all! This date and apple cake with cream is full of warm spices, sweet simmered dates, and a soft, buttery texture. It’s topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and finished with honey-glazed apples tossed in rosewater. It might sound like a lot, but it’s surprisingly simple to put together—and worth every step.
If you’ve made my Chocolate Raspberry Loaf with Buttercream, with its rich chocolate, or my Crème Brûlée Cake—inspired by those caramelised cakes I’ve seen all over social media—then you’ll love this too. This date and apple cake with cream is familiar, comforting, and just that little bit extra. Serve it for dessert, afternoon tea, or anytime you need something special.
Step 1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 160°C fan forced (180°C no fan) and line 23 cm round cake tin with baking paper.
In a small pan, simmer the chopped dates and orange juice over medium to low heat until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2. Add the Eggs and Combine:
Crack the eggs into a jug and whisk lightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the eggs gradually to the butter mixture, along with a spoonful of flour each time, mixing until combined. Stir in the cooled date mixture and grated apple.
Step 3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the lined cake tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 45- 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3. Prepare the Cream Layer:
In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, yogurt, honey, orange blossom water and cardamom until smooth. Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream mixture evenly over the top.
Step 4. Make the Honey Rose Glaze:
In a small pan, gently warm the honey, rose water, and water until smooth. You can also do this in the microwave on low heat. Dice the apples into small pieces, then toss them through the warm glaze until coated. Scatter the glazed apple pieces over the cream layer, then drizzle over any remaining glaze.
Mini no-bake cakes layered with cocoa cream and cherries. Make them ahead and watch them disappear from your dessert table!
This chocolate raspberry loaf is all about the swirls! Rich, moist, and topped with a silky buttercream—simple yet a masterpiece in every bite.
