Cardamom-Date Snack Cake

Ingredients

• Cake:
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup chopped pitted dates
• Topping:
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. To prepare cake, coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
3. Lightly spoon 2 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2 cups flour and next 5 ingredients (through cinnamon) in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine 5 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (through eggs) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moist. Stir in dates. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
4. To prepare topping, combine sliced almonds and remaining ingredients, stirring with a fork until blended. Sprinkle evenly over batter. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.