Finnish Foodie from DownUnder

The Finnish date cake holds a cherished spot among Finland’s most beloved Christmas coffee cakes, possibly even taking the crown as the most popular.

Its enduring appeal stems from the nostalgic taste memories it evokes, as many Finns fondly recall their mothers or grandmothers baking one during the festive season. While now considered a quintessential part of Finnish Christmas traditions, the date cake’s introduction to Finland is relatively recent, dating back to the early 1900s.

The exact origins of the cake are somewhat unclear, but it began to appear in cookbooks around that time, particularly in the region of Varsinais-Suomi (Southwest Finland). Its rich, moist texture and ability to improve in flavour with time have made it a favourite of Finnish Christmas tables. The cake stores well, becoming even more delicious after a few days, and it freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead treat. It also makes a great homemade Christmas food gift

For many Finns, the date cake is as integral to Christmas as the traditional Christmas sauna, embodying warmth, comfort, and cherished family traditions.

Making a Finnish date cake is wonderfully straightforward, and my grandmother’s recipe is a true no-fail classic. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on, producing a beautifully moist and flavourful cake every single time. Passed down through generations, this recipe holds a special place in my family, not just for its taste but for the comforting memories tied to it.

Start by placing the dates and water into a saucepan and bringing it to a boil. Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing the dates to soften and the water to evaporate completely. Once the mixture thickens into a smooth, paste-like consistency and the water has fully evaporated, remove the saucepan from the stove. Let the mixture cool slightly before proceeding with the next steps of the recipe.

Next cut the butter into small cubes.

Stir them into the warm date mixture until fully melted.

Use a hand mixer to blend the mixture thoroughly until it becomes light and fluffy.

This step ensures that all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and airy texture. Mixing until fluffy also helps to evenly distribute the flavours, resulting in a cake that is moist and tender. Take your time with this step, as it sets the foundation for the perfect cake.

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and sugar, beating them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create a light and tender cake texture.

Once the eggs and sugar are well mixed, add the vanillin sugar for a hint of sweetness and aroma, followed by the crème fraîche.

The crème fraîche adds a touch of tanginess and richness, enhancing the cake’s moist and flavourful profile. Mix gently until everything is well combined.

In a third bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda.

Once all three mixtures—date, egg, and flour—are prepared, gently blend them together until smooth and fully incorporated.

Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the lightness of the batter.

Mixing with a spatula works great.

The end result should look something like this:

Next, pour the batter into a large, prepared cake tin that has been greased with oil spray and dusted with breadcrumbs for easy removal.

Alternatively, as I did, you can divide the batter between two smaller cake tins, perfect for creating individual cakes or for giving as gifts. Ensure the tins are evenly filled for consistent baking results.

If baking one large cake, bake for 55 minutes. If baking smaller cakes, bake for 42 minutes. Bake in a 175°C oven.

Let the cake cool before turning it out.

I decided to make two smaller cakes—one to enjoy now and the other to save for Christmas. After they cooled, I wrapped them both in cling film; one went straight into the freezer, while the other stayed in the fridge. This way, I can have a fresh, delicious cake ready for Christmas.

And the house smells SO good!!!

When it’s time to serve, give the cake a light dusting of icing sugar to add a touch of a festive finish.

Ingredients:

• 500g dates
• 400 ml water
• 400g butter
• 4 eggs
• 2 dl sugar
• 4 tsp vanillin sugar
• 2 dl creme fraiche
• 7 dl plain flour
• 4 tsp baking soda

Making this Finnish date cake is relatively easy and so worth it. Whether you enjoy it right away or save it for later, it’s the perfect treat to bring a little Christmas cheer. The cake is moist, flavourful, and keeps really well—plus, it freezes like a dream. It’s a great way to get ahead on Christmas baking while filling your home with those cosy, festive smells. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug and is sure to make everyone happy, just like it has in my family for generations.