Bourbon Applesauce Date Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Bourbon Applesauce Date Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for cake
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ¼ cup date syrup
  • ½ cup pitted chopped dates mixed with 2 tablespoons high-quality bourbon
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • Ingredients for frosting
  • ½ cup about 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon high-quality bourbon
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream cold
  • 1-2 tablespoons date syrup for drizzling

Instructions

  • Making the cake
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray, cover the bottom with a parchment circle, spray again, and flour, removing the excess.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together first 7 ingredients until well-blended, and set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter together for 1-2 minutes.
  • On low speed, add the egg and vanilla extract, and blend well. Add the applesauce and date syrup, and blend until well combined.
  • Again on low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix just until blended.
  • Using a rubber spatula, fold in dates, bourbon, and pecans.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-40 minutes or until a small, sharp knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool and remove from pan.
  • Making the frosting and assembly
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the whip attachment, beat the cream cheese until light, about 1 minute.
  • Add the sugar, vanilla, and bourbon, and blend well.
  • On low speed, slowly add the heavy cream. Turn speed up to high and beat until mixture has formed stiff peaks.
  • Place the cooled cake on a serving platter. Spread frosting over the top of the cake decoratively.
  • Using a small spoon, drizzle date syrup over frosting.

Video

Notes

Makes 1 9-inch cake