Chocolate Chip Date Cake Recipe

After discovering fresh dates at our local farmers' market, I decided to search out a recipe that included dates. 


I came across one from AllRecipes.com (submitted by Kathy Frees) that looked delicious. I had no idea that our family would love it so much! The honey flavor was amazing. My husband even mentioned that it might be one of the best desserts I've ever made. Coming from a guy that likes very few desserts, that is a great compliment!

Chocolate Chip Date Cake 
with gluten free recommendations
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/chocolate-chip-date-cake/Detail.aspx

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16


Ingredients


1 cup chopped dates (We used fresh dates and then peeled and chopped them)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, divided (I used Pamela's Gluten Free Baking Mix, so I omitted the baking soda)
1 1/2 cups boiling water
3/4 cup shortening (We use Earth Balance shortening sticks)
1 1/2 cups honey or sugar, divided
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour (We used Pamela's Gluten Free Baking Mix)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Directions


1. Place dates and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a bowl. Stir in boiling water; cool completely. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and 1 cup sugar. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, salt and remaining baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with date mixture. 


2. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar; top with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes our clean. Cool on a wire rack. 


Recipe from All Recipes.com - submitted by Kathy Frees