01/09/2026
Citrus Drizzle Apple Date Sponge
Ingredients:
- 200 grams (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 100 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 100 grams (¾ cup) pitted dates, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Citrus Drizzle:
- 100 grams (½ cup) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in fruits: Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped dates, lemon zest, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the citrus drizzle: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Cool and drizzle: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the citrus glaze over the top of the cake.
10. Serve: Slice the cake and serve it on a simple white plate. Enjoy the light and fluffy texture, complemented by the sweet dates and tart apples, enhanced by the citrus glaze.
Cooking Tips:
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!