Description
A moist and nutty date and walnut cake with warming spices and a sweet glaze. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for soaking dates)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine chopped dates with boiling water and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Stir in date mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts and pour batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a simmer for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Let set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts for extra flavor before folding into the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
- Check the cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Substitute dates with dried figs or raisins if desired.
- Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: date and walnut cake, moist date loaf, spiced cake with nuts, easy tea cake, brown sugar glaze