Dates Almond Cake (Eggless & Sugarfree)

            This cake is so simple and stunningly satisfying....Its wonderfully flaky on the top & moist inside with a magical touch of rich toffee-like dates puree & raisins...The color of the cake purely depends on the dates used & color of skin of almonds.It can be had for breakfast or as an evening snack along with tea or coffee....

            I made this cake egg-less, so its completely vegetarian...its sugar-free too, as we have dates as a substitute to make our cake sweet enough...Its fat-free too, as i have avoided butter & any other fat & used olive oil instead....You'll actually get a wide grin on your face (i saw it in my hubby's face) when you get the perfect aroma of cardamom & cinnamon dashes...

Ingredients

1.All Purpose Flour (Maida)-1 1/4 cup
2.Dates (de-seeded/pitted)-20-25 (depends on the sweetness)
3.Milk-1/2 cup (keep more ready)
4.Almond-1/2 or 3/4 cup
5.Salt-1/2 tsp
6.Baking soda-1/4 tsp
7.Baking powder-1 heapful tsp
8.Olive oil-1/3 cup
9.Cinnamon-1 small piece
10.Cardamom powder-3/4 tsp
11.Vanilla/ Almond essence- a dash
12.Raisins-a handful (optional.. but recommended)
   
  Just provided the images of  baking powder & soda , since i heard a doubt from my friend...So here it is..

Baking powder

Baking soda

Preparation (of almonds & dates)

~Boil 1/4 cup of water & soak dates in it for 5-10 mins to make it extra soft.

~Lightly roast almonds in medium flame for 1 min & let it cool a little.

~Grind these almonds along with its skin to a smooth powder.

~If you can peel the skin of almonds then you can get a lighter version of the cake..a bit time-consuming process..
~Drain the excess water of dates & grind it along with milk & cinnamon to a smooth paste.

Preparation (of batter)

~In a deep bowl first combine all the dry ingredients  maida, salt, coarsed almonds,cardamom powder, baking powder, baking soda & mix well with a spoon.

~Now add dates puree, vanilla/almond essence, olive oil & stir perfectly with a hand blender or large spoon. (Don't add additional water)
~Can add more milk to make it into a semi runny texture..
~Now just check its sweetness..If its less add more dates puree or can add sugar & combine well.
~Keep this batter for half an hour.

 

Preparation (of cake)

~You can bake the cake or cook it in a pressure cooker.
~I prepared it in a pressure cooker...
~Take deep bottomed vessel which can be placed inside  the pressure cooker.
~Spread aluminium foil inside this vessel..which makes it easier to remove the cake when done.(optional)
~Just grease little of ghee/butter/olive oil inside the aluminium foil / vessel..(optional)(for the cake to come out clean)
~Pour the batter inside the vessel & keep this inside the pressure cooker.(can place a tin lid inside first..so this vessel is not in direct contact with the cooker (optional))

~Close it without the weight.
~Cook in medium to low flame till 45 mins.

~Start checking from 35 mins & proceed accordingly..
~Check by inserting a knife or fork at the center of the cake, if it 
 comes out clean then your cake is done.
~Once the cake is done, remove the vessel along with the cake outside the pressure cooker & allow it cool..
~When its cold enough to touch, just pick up the aluminium foil with the cake.

Seperate the foil from the cake & just enjoy its looks & aroma...
Really tempting to have it..right??
Then just slice it & enjoyyy !!!

I have tried it as a companion for ice creams... its lots more tastier...just crumble the cake on top of the ice cream..
Specially butterscotch, vanilla & any nutty ice creams...Just try it once...You'll remember it always.. 

Linking to : Swathi's Favorite Recipes: Vegetarian Recipes

 

Linking to : Vardhini's Diwali Bash  

 

Linking to : Lakshmi's Hubby's Delight