There’s something truly comforting about a slice of Date and Walnut Cake, especially when that first bite transports you to a cozy café or a treasured family gathering. The sweet aroma of caramelized dates mingling with rich coffee and toasted walnuts fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather around. I discovered this delightful recipe on a rainy afternoon, hunting for ways to use up some dates I’d forgotten in the pantry. What started as a simple solution turned into a delicious treat that quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire.
Perfect for any occasion, this cake embodies warmth and nostalgia. Whether you serve it alongside a steaming cup of tea or bring it to a potluck, it’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s deceptively easy to whip up, thanks to the simple ingredients found in your kitchen. So, if you’re tired of fast food and ready to indulge in a homemade delight, let’s dive into this recipe that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also spark joy in your cooking journey!
Why is Date and Walnut Cake a Must-Try?
Irresistible warmth: The rich flavors of dates and walnuts create a sense of coziness, perfect for any gathering.
Simple preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delight.
Versatile serving: Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or as a dessert, making it ideal for various occasions.
Healthier indulgence: Packed with natural sweetness and fiber, it satisfies your sweet cravings while being kinder to your waistline.
Crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will rave about your baking skills, making it a guaranteed hit at any potluck or gathering.
Date and Walnut Cake Ingredients
• Discover the key ingredients to create a delightful Date and Walnut Cake!
For the Batter
• Dates, chopped – These sweet gems not only provide flavor but also keep your cake moist and tender.
• Instant Coffee or brewed coffee – A splash of coffee enhances the depth of flavor in this cake.
• Unsalted Butter or plant-based margarine – Use unsalted butter for richness or margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Boiling Water – This helps dissolve the coffee and plump the dates, ensuring a rich cake texture.
• Walnuts, chopped – Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness, beautifully complementing the sweet dates.
• Plain Flour or gluten-free flour – Use gluten-free flour as a perfect substitute for a lighter cake.
• Caster Sugar or soft brown sugar – Both add sweetness, but soft brown sugar provides a rich caramel flavor.
• Baking Powder – Ensures your cake rises beautifully and has a fluffy texture.
• Bicarbonate of Soda – Works with the acids in the recipe to create that perfect lift.
• Large Egg or flax egg – The egg acts as a binder; a flax egg is a great vegan alternative.
• Milk or plant-based milk – Regular or dairy-free options will keep your batter creamy and smooth.
For the Icing
• Cream Cheese or vegan cream cheese – This adds a luscious touch on top of the cake, making it irresistibly creamy.
• Icing Sugar – Sweetens the icing to balance the flavors of the cake perfectly.
Elevate your baking game with this easy-to-follow Date and Walnut Cake recipe!
How to Make Date and Walnut Cake
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas 4). Line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper for easy removal later. This step ensures perfect baking from start to finish!
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Combine chopped dates, unsalted butter (or margarine), instant coffee, and boiling water in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the dates to soften and infuse their sweetness.
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Whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda in a separate bowl until well mixed. This will create the cake’s dry base.
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Beat the milk and egg (or flax egg) in another container until frothy. This step adds air, ensuring your cake will rise beautifully.
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Mix the dry ingredients with the milk mixture, then incorporate the soaked date mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined, and you have a smooth batter.
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Fold in the chopped walnuts gently to maintain their crunch. Their nutty flavor will beautifully complement the sweetness of the cake.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 65-75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
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Cool the cake in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set, making it easier to slice later.
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Blend the cream cheese and unsalted butter for the icing until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and whisk until fluffy. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the icing generously on top.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Date and Walnut Cake
Room Temperature: After baking, let the Date and Walnut Cake cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. The cool environment helps retain its delicious flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy a slice cold, simply thaw it at room temperature. For a cozy taste, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or lightly in the oven at 150°C.
What to Serve with Date and Walnut Cake?
There’s nothing quite like complementing your slice of cake with the perfect sides to enhance your cozy experience.
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Fresh Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a rich, velvety touch that elevates every bite of the cake.
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Chai Latte: The spiced warmth of a chai latte perfectly intertwines with the flavors in the cake, creating a comforting pairing that’s hard to resist.
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Roasted Almonds: Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor echo the walnuts, giving a satisfying crunch as a side.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cake’s warmth, making it a delightful indulgence, especially when the cake’s icing melts slightly.
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Citrus Salad: Fresh slices of orange and grapefruit add a zesty zing that lightens the richness of the cake and refreshes your palate between bites.
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Herbal Tea: A calming cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, provides a soothing balance to the sweet notes of the cake, inviting relaxation.
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Dark Chocolate: Pairing the cake with dark chocolate pieces enhances its sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Date and Walnut Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the date mixture (chopped dates, butter, coffee, and boiling water) up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it after letting it sit for 30 minutes. Additionally, you can combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda) a few days prior and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix the prepared ingredients with the milk and egg, fold in the walnuts, and pour the batter into the loaf tin. This ensures your cake remains just as delicious as when freshly made, making it an excellent choice for meal prep!
Expert Tips for Date and Walnut Cake
- Date Soaking: Ensure you soak the dates for at least 30 minutes; this will help them blend better into the batter, enhancing moisture.
- Butter Temperature: For the best texture, let your unsalted butter come to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter can create a dense cake.
- Egg Substitution: If using a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, and let it sit until it thickens.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Check Doneness: For perfect baking, perform the toothpick test around the 65-minute mark; if it comes out clean, the Date and Walnut Cake is ready.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust icing sugar based on preference for sweetness and thickness; thicker icing stays on better, while thinner is more drizzly.
Date and Walnut Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful variations!
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.
- Spiced Delight: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an inviting, warm flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 100g of dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist that elevates the cake’s richness.
- Vegan: Swap the egg for a chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based cream cheese for a completely vegan treat.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and margarine in place of regular butter and milk to create a scrumptious dairy-free option.
- Fruit Boost: Incorporate 100g of shredded carrots or zucchini for added moisture and a healthy dose of veggies.
- Coffee Lovers: Increase the instant coffee to 2 tbsp for a stronger coffee flavor that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
- Zesty Kick: Mix in the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
Explore these variations and find your favorite to enhance your Date and Walnut Cake experience!
Date and Walnut Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of dates should I use for the Date and Walnut Cake?
I recommend using Medjool dates for their rich flavor, natural sweetness, and soft texture. They help keep the cake moist! If they’re a bit firm, soak them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften.
How should I store leftover Date and Walnut Cake?
Once your cake has cooled completely, pop it into an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake fresh and delicious! If you’d like to extend its life, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze my Date and Walnut Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the cake first, and then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a cozy treat!
Why is my cake not rising properly?
If your Date and Walnut Cake isn’t rising, it could be due to expired baking powder or bicarbonate of soda. Always check the dates on these ingredients! Additionally, ensure you’re mixing the batter gently and not overmixing, as that can result in a dense cake.
Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, this cake contains walnuts, which can trigger nut allergies. Consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nut risk. However, always check with guests about allergies before serving!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the structure of the cake while making it accessible for those avoiding gluten. Just make sure the other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free!
Irresistible Date and Walnut Cake for Cozy Afternoons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas 4) and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper.
- Combine chopped dates, unsalted butter (or margarine), instant coffee, and boiling water in a bowl and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda in a separate bowl.
- Beat the milk and egg (or flax egg) in another container until frothy.
- Mix the dry ingredients with the milk mixture and incorporate the soaked date mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in chopped walnuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 65-75 minutes.
- Cool the cake in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Blend cream cheese and unsalted butter for icing until smooth, then gradually add icing sugar.
- Once cooled, spread the icing generously on top.