A traditional British Farmhouse Date Cake that’s moist, rich, and full of sweet date flavor with warm spices.

Scale

200 g pitted dates, chopped

250 ml boiling water

1 tsp baking soda

115 g unsalted butter, softened

150 g light brown sugar

2 large eggs

200 g self-rising flour

1 tsp mixed spice

Pinch of salt

50 g walnuts, chopped (optional)

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1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 2 lb loaf pan.

2. Place dates in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Stir in baking soda and let stand for 10 minutes.

3. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, mixed spice, and salt.

6. Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture.

7. Stir in the softened dates and any remaining liquid.

8. Fold in walnuts if using.

9. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.

10. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Delicious served sliced with butter and a cup of tea.

The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months.