Salted Caramel Dried Fruit & Date Cake

5 from 5 votes

Salted Caramel Dried Fruit & Date Cake

This Salted Caramel Dried Fruit & Date Cake is a holiday show-stopper! Made with simple ingredients, a luscious salted caramel buttercream, and dried fruit topping, this classic cake is a real delight.

Prep Time1

Cook Time35

Total Time1 35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: Slices

Calories: 586kcal

Author: Emily Laurae

Equipment

Ingredients

Salted Caramel

1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
½ teaspoon sea salt

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

½ Cup unsalted butter room temperature
2 Cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons salted caramel room temperature

Date Cake

¾ cup dates pitted
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup boiling water
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
6 Tablespoons light brown sugar packed
1 egg large
½ cup + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
dried plums, strawberries, satsumas, and fresh plums to garnish or any dried fruit of your choice

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Salted Caramel

Pour the sugar into a saucepan, and over medium-high heat allow the sugar to slowly melt and eventually shift in color to a deep amber-brown color. Make sure you continue to stir the sugar every minute or so in order to prevent it from burning!
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
Add the cream and butter to the sugar – expect the ingredients to bubble and foam for about 30 seconds or so. Then, over low heat, continue to melt down any large bits of caramel. Do this until the mixture is completely fluid and smooth before removing it from heat and adding sea salt.
¾ cup heavy cream , 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon sea salt
Pour caramel into a glass container and allow to cool before adding to buttercream.

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high until light and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes, scraping down the bowl and paddle every couple minutes. Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar, scraping down the bowl while adding the vanilla.
½ Cup unsalted butter, 2 Cups powdered sugar , 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
With the mixer still on low, add the salted caramel and salt, mixing until fully combined.
2 Tablespoons salted caramel

Date Cake

Place the dates and baking soda in a bowl and pour boiling water over both ingredients. Press down the dates with a spoon so they’re submerged and let them sit for 10 minutes.
¾ cup dates, ½ teaspoon baking soda , ¼ cup boiling water
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, and sugar on high until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium, add the egg. Continue to mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 egg
Then with the mixer on low, add flour and baking powder mixing until just combined.
½ cup + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder
Preheat the oven to 350˚F and puree the dates using a blender or food processor, and add the pureed date mixture into the batter, mixing on low until well combined.
Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Add batter into your cake pan and bake for 26-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 5 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.

Assembly

Add as much of your caramel buttercream frosting on top of the cake and spread evenly. Utilizing a spoon or an offset spatula, create swirls and swoops to your liking into the buttercream!
Add the decoration of your liking on top! I added a couple of different layers of toppings, starting with dried layered fruits and adding organic flowers!
dried plums, strawberries, satsumas, and fresh plums to garnish

Video

Notes

Frequently asked questions:

How do I make a date loaf? Instead of a 6-inch cake pan, bake the batter in a greased loaf pan at 350ºF - you will likely need to bake the loaf for an additional 10+ minutes, so make sure to keep an eye on it!
How long does date cake stay fresh? The frosted cake will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just keep the cake or individual slices stored in an airtight container.
Does date cake freeze well? Yes! To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Nutrition