Description
This Southern Orange Slice Cake with Dates is a rich, moist dessert bursting with fruity and nutty flavors. Featuring a buttery crumb studded with chopped dates, candy orange slices, pecans, and shredded coconut, it’s finished with a luscious orange glaze poured over the warm cake. Perfect for gatherings, this cake tastes even better when allowed to rest for a day, making the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened, plus extra for the pan
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan
- 1 pound pitted dates, chopped (choose soft and plump dates)
- 1 pound candy orange slices, chopped
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Generously butter a 10-inch tube pan, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4 to 8 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, ensuring a light cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Buttermilk: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk and then incorporate it into the batter, activating the leavening.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Fruit and Nuts: In a separate bowl, toss the all-purpose flour with chopped dates, chopped candy orange slices, and chopped pecans until everything is well coated. This step helps distribute the fruits and nuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Mix Batter: Add the flour mixture and shredded coconut to the wet batter and fold in gently using a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare to Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared tube pan, pressing it down gently and smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Begin checking at the 2-hour mark by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Make the Orange Glaze: Near the end of baking, whisk together the orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth and glossy to create the glaze.
- Glaze and Cool: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake so it soaks in deeply. Allow the cake to cool in the pan overnight to set and develop full flavor.
- Serve: After cooling, turn the cake out of the pan and slice. For the best flavor and texture, let the cake rest for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- This cake improves significantly in flavor if allowed to rest for 24 hours after baking.
- Choose soft, plump dates for the best texture and sweetness.
- Ensure the orange glaze is poured over the cake while it is still hot to allow the glaze to soak in thoroughly.
- Use a tube pan for even baking and easy removal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Southern Orange Slice Cake, Dates Cake, Orange Glaze Cake, Southern Dessert, Fruity Cake, Nutty Cake
