Queen Elizabeth Cake

Queen Elizabeth Cake is a rich, spiced date cake topped with a warm, buttery brown sugar and coconut broiled topping. This nostalgic Canadian dessert is soft, slightly sticky (think sticky toffee pudding vibes), and perfect for cozy holidays or teatime gatherings.

Table of Contents

• A Little Story Behind the Cake…
• Why You Can Trust This Recipe
• What Is Queen Elizabeth Cake?
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Substitutions & Variations
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• How to Store & Make Ahead
• Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Connect With Me

In this post, you’ll learn how to make the best Queen Elizabeth Cake from scratch—including tips for ingredient swaps, how to enhance the flavor with subtle additions like ginger and toasted seeds, and how to store or freeze it. This recipe has been tested until it’s absolutely perfect—and I’ve added my own twist to make it even more festive.

A Little Story Behind the Cake…

This Queen Elizabeth Cake is one of those recipes that instantly transports me back to the holidays growing up. My mom used to make it every Christmas, and the scent of warm dates, cinnamon, and caramelized coconut is forever etched into my holiday memories.

It’s humble in appearance—no frosting, no frills—but the flavor? Absolutely royal. That soft date cake, topped with buttery brown sugar coconut topping (yes, the broiled kind) is magic. Think sticky toffee pudding meets cozy spice cake, with a Canadian twist.

I’ve added a personal touch to the classic recipe: a hint of fresh ginger, toasted pumpkin seeds, and buttery chopped pecans. These small updates add depth and crunch, and take this cake from comforting to completely unforgettable.

Why You Can Trust This Recipe

As a professional recipe developer and home entertaining expert, I’ve tested dozens of vintage and modern cake recipes for food brands and editorial clients. This one? It’s been in my personal rotation for years and has been rigorously tested for texture, flavor, and make-ahead potential.

I always focus on recipes that are approachable, affordable, and packed with elevated flavor. This Queen Elizabeth Cake is exactly that—it uses pantry staples, comes together quickly, and keeps beautifully for days. And like all my recipes, it’s been tested and tweaked until it’s just right.

What Is Queen Elizabeth Cake?

Queen Elizabeth Cake is a spiced date cake topped with a rich brown sugar and coconut mixture, traditionally broiled to give it a sticky, caramelized finish. It’s believed to have originated in Canada and was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

While it’s not overly sweet or showy, it’s beloved for its moist texture, deep flavor, and simplicity. It’s often compared to sticky toffee pudding, but without the sauce. It’s also sometimes known as a cross between a coffee cake and a snack cake, making it perfect for afternoon tea—or a cozy winter dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into my version of Queen Elizabeth Cake:

For the Date Mixture:

• 1 cup water + 1 cup chopped dates + 1 tsp baking soda
  → This is the key to the soft, sticky texture. I recommend using Medjool dates for the richest flavor, but any soft dried date will work.

For the Cake Batter:

• All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt
• Warm spices: allspice, nutmeg, fresh ginger
  → Ginger adds warmth and depth—fresh is best, but powdered will do in a pinch.
• Softened butter + brown sugar
  → The brown sugar keeps the crumb tender and rich.
• Eggs + vanilla extract
• Pumpkin seeds + chopped pecans
  → For crunch and a festive touch. Walnuts or almonds also work beautifully.

For the Coconut Topping:

• Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• Brown sugar + butter + cream + a pinch of salt
  → This is the iconic broiled topping. Think sticky, buttery, toasted coconut perfection.

Substitutions & Variations

• Nut-free? Skip the pecans and seeds, or swap for toasted oats or sunflower seeds.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and coconut cream in the topping.
• Gluten-free? Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Make it extra special: Add a splash of rum to the date mixture or toss in some chopped dried figs or raisins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch cake pan.
2. Make the date mixture: Simmer 1 cup water and 1 cup chopped dates in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp baking soda, and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and fresh ginger.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
5. Combine: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and cooled date mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
6. Fold in pumpkin seeds and pecans.
7. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Make the coconut topping: While the cake bakes, combine all topping ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until bubbling and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
9. Top the cake: Pour the warm coconut topping evenly over the baked cake. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the top—watch closely!
10. Cool completely so the topping sets. Slice and serve!

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and add the topping just before serving if you want a fresh broil.

Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin, Walnut and Cranberry Cake
• Spiced Salted Caramel Cake
• The Best Apple Cake Recipe
• Spiced Pear and Honey Cake

Final Thoughts

Queen Elizabeth Cake is one of those old-fashioned recipes that deserves a spot in every baker’s repertoire. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and full of nostalgic charm. Whether you grew up eating it at the holidays or you’re discovering it for the first time, this cozy date cake with broiled coconut topping is a showstopper in the most humble way.

It’s the kind of cake that quietly wins over every guest—and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too.

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