Name: Date-Sweetened Chocolate Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups dates, pitted and chopped; 1 cup boiling water; ½ tsp baking soda; 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour); ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or applesauce; ½ cup melted coconut oil or butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese); ¼ cup coconut oil or butter, softened; ½ cup cocoa powder; ½ cup date syrup or finely chopped soaked dates; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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Moist, deeply chocolatey cake naturally sweetened with dates—layered with rich frosting and perfect for celebrations or indulgent yet wholesome desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened, no refined sugar
Deep, rich chocolate flavor with wholesome sweetness
Tender, moist crumb that’s hard to resist
Elegant layer cake perfect for special occasions or mindful treats

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

1¼ cups dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup boiling water
½ tsp baking soda
1¼ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or applesauce
½ cup melted coconut oil or butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese)
¼ cup coconut oil or butter, softened
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup date syrup or finely chopped soaked dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Prep dates: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, soak chopped dates in boiling water with baking soda; let sit 10 minutes, then blend or mash into a paste.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, yogurt or applesauce, melted oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in date paste until evenly combined.
Combine batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
Bake: Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
Make frosting: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and coconut oil until fluffy. Add cocoa powder, date syrup (or chopped dates), vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth and silky.
Assemble cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread about ⅓ of frosting on top. Set second layer on top and frost remaining top and sides. Decorate with extra date slices or raspberries if desired.
Chill & serve: Chill cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 10-minute date soak)
Bake time: 22–28 minutes
Frosting & assembly: 15 minutes (+30-minute chill)
Total time: ~1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute
Nutty twist: Fold ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter
Espresso boost: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor
Fruit topping: Garnish with fresh berries or toasted coconut

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for best texture. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted layers wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 2 months; thaw and assemble before serving.

Date-Sweetened Chocolate Layer Cake

FAQs

Is this cake really sugar-free?

Yes—sweetness comes entirely from natural dates and date syrup, with no refined sugar added.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely—bake the layers and keep them wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days; frost just before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use two 8-inch pans or a 9×13 pan; adjust baking time slightly (check at 25 minutes).

Can I use dried fruit instead of dates?

Prunes or raisins work, but soak and blend them into a paste first and reduce added liquid slightly.

Is the frosting stable?

Yes—cream cheese and coconut oil create a firm, pipe-able frosting, especially when chilled.

Can I freeze slices?

Yes—freeze wrapped cake slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

How do I prevent a dry cake?

Soaking dates and using yogurt or applesauce keeps the crumb moist and tender.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes—fold in ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence.

Is it suitable for vegans?

Use dairy-free yogurt, cream cheese, and butter substitutes to make it vegan-friendly.

What toppings pair well?

Fresh raspberries, dark chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt elevate the flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

This Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Layer Cake is a delightful balance of rich, fudgy chocolate and natural sweetness from dates—without refined sugar. Moist, flavorful, and elegantly frosted, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent choice for any celebration or chocolate craving. Enjoy every guilt‑free slice!