Indulge in this gorgeously nutty cake for dessert, then serve the leftovers as you would Christmas cake to whoever pops by
Prep:15 mins
Serves 8
300g pecan halves140g stoned dates200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing200g light muscovado sugar1 tsp mixed spice4 eggs, beaten140g self-raising flourmaple syrup, to serve
STEP 1Tip 100g pecans into a processor and whizz until fine, then tip into a bowl. Put the dates into a small pan with enough water to cover, boil for 5 mins until very soft. Drain, discarding the liquid, then whizz in the processor until smooth. Leave to cool.STEP 2Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line the base of a 23cm cake tin. Beat the butter, sugar and spice together until lighter and creamy, then tip in the dates, ground pecans, eggs and a pinch of salt and beat briefly until smooth.STEP 3Fold in the flour with a metal spoon, then spoon into the tin and level the top. Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the top (don’t press them in), then bake for 40 mins or until risen and golden and a skewer comes out clean. Serve warm, with generous drizzles of maple syrup and scoops of Maple crunch ice cream (see ‘goes well with’).
