Date Cupcakes Topped with Pecan Frosting

Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 25-30 mins Total time: 55-60 mins

Ingredients

Cake

200 grams pitted dates

½ cup hot water

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ cup olive oil

1/3 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon orange zest, dried

2 cups flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup pecans, including for decorations

Equipment

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula

Medium bowl

Large bowl

Electric or standing electric whisk

12 cup muffin pan, lined with muffin paper cups or 12 paper muffin cups (I used the latter)

Wire rack

How To

In a large bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer, soak the dates in the hot water and the baking soda. Stir it so the dates are soaked in the hot water. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/176 degrees Celsius.

After 15 minutes, add the brown sugar, buttermilk and orange zest to the soaked dates. Whisk with a handheld electric whisk until the dates are smooth.

In a medium bowl, mis the flour, baking powder and salt.

Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold them until just combined.

Fold in the pecans.

Pour into the prepared lined muffin holes. .

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

Remove and let cool on a wire rack.

Top with pecan frosting. Click here for pecan frosting.