Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes Chocolate-Date Cake with Chocolate Sticky Toffee Glaze 3.7 (49) 4 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 2, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Servings: 12 This date-studded dessert derives its intoxicating flavor from chunks of dark chocolate and a jigger of brandy. A chocolate-enhanced sticky toffee glaze makes the cake even more enticing. Ingredients For The Cake 1 ¼ cups water 15 ounces whole Medjool dates (about 22), pitted, plus 4 more, pitted and halved lengthwise, for garnish 3 tablespoons brandy 2 tablespoons strong-brewed coffee 4 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan ¾ cup packed dark-brown sugar 4 large eggs 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably at least 61 percent cacao), coarsely chopped For The Glaze ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter ⅔ cup packed light-brown sugar ⅓ cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon water Pinch of salt 2 tablespoons heavy cream 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably at least 61 percent cacao), finely chopped 1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons brandy Directions For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-3-inch round cake pan. Line with parchment, and butter parchment. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Meanwhile, combine dates, brandy, coffee, and 2 tablespoons cocoa in a heatproof bowl. Stir in boiling water. Let cool, stirring occasionally. Puree cooled date mixture in a food processor (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Place 3/4 cup puree in a small bowl, and press plastic wrap directly on surface; reserve. Place remaining puree in a large bowl. Whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and remaining 2 tablespoons cocoa in a bowl. Beat butter and dark-brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition (batter will look curdled). Stir baking soda into reserved uncovered date puree. On low speed, beat flour mixture into egg mixture in 2 additions, alternating with the date mixture. Beat in chocolate. Transfer batter to prepared pan, and smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen, and invert cake onto rack. Remove parchment, turn cake right side up, and let cool completely. Make the glaze: Bring butter, light-brown sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in cream. Add chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Whisk in brandy. Let cool until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Assemble the cake: Using a serrated knife, trim rounded top of cake so it is flat. Place cake on stand. Spread remaining 3/4 cup date puree over top of cake. Pour glaze over top, letting some drip down sides. Garnish with halved dates. Cook's Notes To deftly remove the pit from a Medjool date, using a pairing knife to make a short slit lengthwise along one side of the fruit. Then use the tip of the knife to coax the pit from its place. Unglazed cake can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Rate it Print