Victoria Day is a Federal Canadian holiday celebrated in honor of Queen Victoria's birthday. The date is also simultaneously that on which the current reigning sovereign's official birthday is recognized.
Caroline Davies from The Guardian wrote an article in honor Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday this year. Included is a priceless photo by Annie Leibovitz/Getty depicting the Queen with her great-grandchildren and youngest grandchildren. If you check it out you may see what made me smile!
So on this day I had to think of an old recipe handed down to me by my mom. I'm not sure why the cake is named after the Queen, but my guess is that it is very much like a traditional English pudding cake, super moist and delicious. I hope you try it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates, chopped fine and 1 cup water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup butter, soft
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
topping
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp cream
- 5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut or mix of coconut and thin slivered almonds
Method:
- In saucepan, bring dates and water to boil and continue simmering for about 3- 5 minutes until soft. Turn off heat and add baking soda, stirring to mash well. (it will bubble) Add vanilla, Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 F and prepare 8 - 9 inch round or square pan by greasing and lining with wax or parchment paper. A spring form pan is ideal but not necessary.
- Cream butter, sugar and egg.
- Add dates and then stir in the dry ingredients, mixing on low if using mixer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until toothpick test comes out clean.
- Meanwhile melt and warm butter and cream, adding sugar, coconut and nuts. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- When cake is done, gently spread with topping and return to oven to broil setting for about 2 minutes. Watch it so it does not burn. It should bubble and turn a nice golden color.
- Let cool. Loosen edges with knife. If not using a spring-form pan, remove by placing a piece of wax paper over the top along with a flat plate. Flip upside down and then right side up again onto serving plate.
Happy 90th Birthday to our gracious Queen!