For this Milokaridopita, I’ve taken two of my favourite Greek cakes, milo meaning apple and karithia meaning walnuts and given them a new twist by combining the classic flavours with the rich sweetness of dates and a touch of brandy. The result is a moist, spiced cake that brings together the warm, comforting notes of autumn apples and walnuts with the deep, caramel-like flavours of dates. Perfect for a mid morning coffee break or serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cozy afternoon sweet indulgence. 

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Milokaridopita with Dates (Apple Walnut Date Cake)

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Cypriot, Greek

Yield: 8

Materials

Caramel Apples

• 1 1/2 lbs honey crisp or granny smith apples skin on, cored and cut in thin slices
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter + extra for pan
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 oz brandy
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Cake

• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 12 pitted dates finely chopped
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup quality honey
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup ground walnuts toasted + extra for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Brush the bottoms and side of an 8 x 3 inch springform pan with melted butter.
• Heat a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add butter, sugar, brandy and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
• Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon and then the apples. Let simmer for 5-6 minutes or until applies have softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
• To make cake, in a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon and set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together dates, brandy and baking soda and set aside.
• In a bowl of a stand up mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the butter and honey until creamy, 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated.
• Mix in yogurt, dates and walnuts with a spatula.
• Add in flour and mix with spatula until incorporated. Avoid over mixing the batter.
• Pour batter in spring form pan and top evenly with caramelized apples. Pour any remaining sauce over apples.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until cake is set and apples have slightly caramelized on top. You can poke a toothpick in the centre of the cake to ensure it comes out clean as your cake is then done.
• Let the cake rest for 5 minutes and then gentle remove the side of the pan. Once cake as cooled enough to handle, gently transfer it from the bottom of the pan to a serving plate.
• Garnish with ground walnuts before serving.