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

Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
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.
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.