Chocolate Chip Streusel Date Coffee Cake

Chocolate Chip Streusel Date Coffee Cake 

I served this cake at a morning office coffee break to great reviews. Even those who said that they were not fond of dates liked this cake. That's probably because the dates are pureed and stirred into the batter, giving it a sweet richness and adding to the moistness of the cake. Served with some warm vanilla custard or Creme Anglaise, this would make a luscious dessert as well.

Grease and flour  a 9 inch spring form pan. Line bottom with parchment paper for easy release. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine:

• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 tsp baking soda

Set aside to cool down to almost room temperature.  mash dates to a rough puree.

Sift together:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch salt

Stir in:

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

Pour this batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel topping over the batter.


Chocolate Chip Streusel
Rub together until crumbly:

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 tbsp soft butter

Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before releasing the cake from the pan. Cool on a wire rack or serve warm. Makes a great dessert when served warm with warm custard.