Description
This Sticky Date & Orange Traybake is a comforting, moist, and rich dessert featuring softened dates soaked in boiling water and combined with zesty orange flavors. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze, it’s the perfect treat for cozy afternoons or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Traybake Batter
- 200 g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
Caramel Glaze
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 50 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (1/3 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they soften.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray (approximately 20 x 30 cm or 8 x 12 inches) with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked dates (including the water). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Traybake: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Caramel Glaze: While the traybake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Apply Glaze: Once the traybake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the traybake to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve on a simple white plate, and enjoy the rich, moist texture with a hint of orange.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the traybake tender and moist.
- The soaking of dates in boiling water activates the baking soda and softens the dates perfectly for a smooth texture.
- You can substitute the heavy cream in the caramel glaze with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For an extra hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
