Cardamom-Date Snack Cake

-- CAKE --

Cooking spray

2

cups

all-purpose flour

1

tsp

baking powder

1

tsp

baking soda

1/2

tsp

salt

1/2

tsp

ground cardamom

1/2

tsp

ground cinnamon

5

Tbs

butter, softened

1

cup

packed brown sugar

1

cup

applesauce

1

tsp

vanilla extract

3

large eggs

3/4

cup

chopped pitted dates

--TOPPING --

1/3

cup

sliced almonds

3

Tbs

all-purpose flour

3

Tbs

brown sugar

2

Tbs

butter, melted

1

Preheat oven to 350°.

2

To prepare cake, coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.

3

Lightly spoon 2 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2 cups flour and next 5 ingredients (through cinnamon) in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine 5 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (through eggs) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moist. Stir in dates. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

4

To prepare topping, combine sliced almonds and remaining ingredients, stirring with a fork until blended. Sprinkle evenly over batter. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.

This spicy little cake welcomes a glass of milk or cup of hot tea. The dates make this treat extremely moist and tender, so use a serrated knife to cut it.

Source

Source: Cooking Light Magazine