Cardamom-Date Snack Cake

Cardamom-Date Snack Cake(Adapted from CL)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup 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
5 ounces chopped pitted dates - roughly 3/4 cup

Topping:
1/3 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350

To prepare cake, line a 9" square baking pan with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour and next 5 ingredients (through cinnamon); make a well in center of mixture.

In a medium bowl, combine 5 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (through eggs). Beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moist. Gently fold in dates. Pour into the baking pan

To prepare topping, combine sliced almonds and remaining ingredients, stirring with a fork until blended. Sprinkle evenly over batter. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan before cutting.