A Smoky Twist on a Classic Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 15 people
Category: Dessert
Origin: United Kingdom
Created during the Mat Blak Charlie Oven Masterclass, this BBQ Date Cake with Smoked Caramel Sauce is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together sweet, sticky dates, crunchy pecans, and a smoky, buttery caramel sauce. Baked in the Charlie Oven, this dessert is the perfect showstopper for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Smoked Caramel Sauce
- 700ml Double Cream
- 300g Brown Sugar
- 150g Unsalted Butter
- 1 pinch Maldon Salt (per pudding)
- 3 pieces White-Hot Charcoal
Date Cake
- 300g Dates (stoned and finely chopped)
- 150g Pecans (finely chopped)
- 3 Medium eggs
- 150ml Boiling Water
- 100g Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 320g Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
Instructions
Smoked Caramel Sauce
Step 1 – Smoke the Cream
- Pour the double cream into a thick-bottomed metal container.
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Using steel tongs, carefully place 3 pieces of white-hot charcoal into the cream to infuse it with a smoky flavour.
Step 2 – Prepare the Caramel Base
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly to prevent splitting.
Step 3 – Combine
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Strain the smoked cream into the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
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Return the caramel sauce to the heat and cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Date Cake
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Dish
- Preheat your Charlie Oven to 180°C.
- Grease a baking dish or pan with butter.
Step 2 – Soak the Dates
- Finely chop the dates and soak them in 150ml boiling water to soften.
Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar
- Mix together the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
Step 4 –Incorporate the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5 – Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Fold in the flour,baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.
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Add the chopped pecans and the soaked dates (including the soaking water). Mix well until fully combined.
Step 6 – Fill and Bake
- Pour the batter into the preparedpan, leaving 2cm of space from the top.
- Bake in the Charlie Oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Final Touches
Step 1 – Reheat the Sauce
- Gently reheat the smoked caramel sauce in your Charlie Oven until warm.
Step 2 – Assemble
- Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cake.
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Sprinkle with whole pecans and serve with agenerous scoop of ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
The smoked caramel sauce brings an unexpected depth to this classic sticky date cake, while the Charlie Oven enhances every flavour with a subtle BBQ edge. Finished with creamy ice cream and crunchy pecans, this dessert is the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.