INGREDIENTS For cake:
- 200g (approx. 1 measuring cup) Hellmann’s Real Squeezy Mayonnaise*
- 6 Medjool dates, pitted
- 200ml water
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 260g (approx. 2 measuring cups) self- raising flour
- 60g desiccated coconut + extra for decorating
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 120g dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla flavouring
- 2 tbsp milk (optional) For frosting:
- 100g salted butter
- 150g icing sugar
- 100g soft cheese (cream cheese)
- 1 tsp vanilla flavouring (optional) *suitable for Vegetarians. Not certified Halal.
Method:
- Pit and cut the Medjool dates into small pieces, place in a pan with the water and bring to a boil. Gently simmer for 5 – 8 mins until the dates are soft and the mixture is almost pulp like. Add the bicarbonate of soda, mix and leave to one side to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl add the dry ingredients-self raising flour, desiccated coconut and baking powder, combine using a wooden spoon.
- In a separate bowl add the Hellmann’s Real Squeezy mayonnaise and brown sugar. Beat using a whisk or handheld blender until combined. Next add the vanilla flavouring and cooled date pulp, gently mix again.
- Pour the wet date batter into the dry mixture and beat until smooth and combined. Add 2 tbsp of milk if the mixture seems a little dry.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake tin measuring 9×9 inches (or roughly this size). Bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 4, 180°C, 160°C fan oven for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into themiddle of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool once baked.
- To make the frosting, cream butter using a handheld blender until pale and fluffy. Slowly add icing sugar and beat until combined. Lastly, add the soft cheese and vanilla flavouring. Mix to combine.
- Smother the top of the cooled caked with the frosting and sprinkle some extra desiccated coconut over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
