Flourless Walnut-Date Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch-round cake pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
2. 2
   Put the walnuts, cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor; pulse until finely ground but not powdery.
3. 3
   Whisk the egg yolks, orange zest and vanilla, if using, in a small bowl.
4. 4
   Beat the egg whites and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until foamy.
5. 5
   Beat in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until soft peaks form, about 8 minutes.
6. 6
   Fold in the yolk mixture and dates, then fold in the ground walnut mixture.
7. 7
   Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
8. 8
   Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes.
9. 9
   Let cool in the pan on a rack, then run a knife along the sides and invert the cake onto a platter.
10. 10
    Make the glaze: Put the chocolate, margarine and honey in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the margarine melts, about 2 minutes.
11. 11
    Whisk until smooth.
12. 12
    Cool slightly, then pour over the cake.
13. 13
    Top with walnuts.
14. 14
    Photograph by Jonny Valiant