The beauty of this sweet little treat is that it’s a recipe you can make from a well-stocked pantry. And even better: you can easily substitute with other pantry ingredients. For example, no dates in your pantry? How about dried figs? Or use your own homemade jam or compote. Just make sure your fruit filling is very, very thick and pastelike before assembling.
Delicious Mini Zesty Date Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 mL) pitted Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) water
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) finely grated orange zest
- Generous pinch of salt (optional)
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) almond flour
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) gluten-free oats
- 1 1/2 Tbsp (22 mL) coconut or raw sugar
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) almond butter
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories159
- protein4g
- fat7g
- saturated fat1g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates23g
- sugars15g
- fibre2g
- sodium64mg
Directions
01
In small saucepan, combine dates and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Mash dates with fork or potato masher. Add 1 Tbsp (15 mL) more water if needed. Continue to mash and stir until very thick and spreadable paste forms, about 5 to 10 minutes. You should have about 3/4 cup (180 mL). Remove pan from heat, stir in orange zest and pinch of salt, if using. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Lightly grease 12-cup silicone mini muffin pan. Place pan on sturdy baking sheet.
In food processor fitted with metal blade, combine almond flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until crumbly. Add coconut oil and almond butter. Pulse until mixture begins to hold together. If too crumbly, add 1 Tbsp (15 mL) water and continue whirling. Mixture should be like a dense cookie dough. You should have about 1 1/4 cups (310 mL).
Taking half the Cookie Crumble dough, press equal amounts into bottom of each muffin cup. Gently press down to firmly pack. Divide date paste equally among cups and smooth out to evenly cover bottom layer of dough. Divide remaining dough among cups, evenly covering date paste. Gently pat down.
Place baking sheet with silicone muffin pan in centre of preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until tops of cakes are relatively crisp. Remove tray and place on rack to cool. Cool silicone muffin pan completely before attempting to remove date cakes.
TIP: Want to entertain an additional flavour? Add a couple of vegan chocolate chips to date filling in each muffin cup before topping with top layer of dough. Chocolate date filling … mmmm.
Irene McGuinness
Irene McGuinness is a nutritionist, food writer, food stylist, and recipe developer.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.
Jamaican Jerk Pork Sliders with Grilled Pineapple and Tangy Slaw
While on your burger journey, visit Jamaica, where you’ll find the spicy jerk flavours native to this beautiful island. Maple syrup adds a unique, sticky sweetness, while fresh lime juice highlights the fresh, tangy flavours of the Caribbean. Try making your own jerk seasoning or purchase store-bought for an easy shortcut.