Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze That Feels Like a Coffeehouse Treat

This Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze is moist, tender, and layered with flavor. Hot coffee softens the dates into a jammy sweetness, walnuts add texture, and the espresso glaze delivers a bold finish that coffee lovers adore.

Overview of Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze

This loaf is perfect for:

• Breakfast with strong coffee
• Afternoon tea or brunch
• Cozy fall and winter baking
• Gifting during the holidays

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Naturally sweet from dates
• Deep coffee flavor without bitterness
• Moist crumb that slices cleanly
• Balanced sweetness—not cloying

What it tastes like

Warm caramel notes from dates, gentle spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, toasted walnuts for crunch, and a rich espresso glaze that brings everything together.

Full Ingredient List

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For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

For the Rich Espresso Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons strong espresso or brewed coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds
• Use brown sugar instead of white for deeper caramel notes
• Add orange zest for brightness
• Skip the glaze for a breakfast-style loaf

How to Make Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts

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Step 1: Soften the Dates

Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour hot brewed coffee over them. Let sit for 15 minutes until soft and jammy. This step builds incredible moisture.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add softened date-coffee mixture to the batter. Mix gently. Add dry ingredients and fold until just combined. Stir in walnuts.

Step 7: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Make the Espresso Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, espresso, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf. Let set before slicing.

What to Serve with Date Coffee Loaf Cake

• Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Greek yogurt and berries
• Warm milk or chai

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use very hot coffee to soften dates properly
• Don’t overmix once flour is added
• Let loaf cool fully before glazing
• Flavor improves the next day

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Wrapped tightly for 3 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Unglazed loaf freezes well for up to 2 months

General Information

Date-based cakes have long been part of American and European baking traditions, especially during cooler months when natural sweetness and warm spices shine. Coffee enhances the dates rather than overpowering them, making this loaf quietly luxurious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant coffee?
Yes—dissolve 1 tablespoon instant coffee in 1 cup hot water.

Is this loaf very sweet?
No, dates provide gentle sweetness balanced by coffee.

Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely—it’s optional but highly recommended for coffee lovers.

Why soak the dates?
It ensures moisture and creates a smooth crumb.

Conclusion

This Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze is cozy, refined, and deeply satisfying. If you love bakes like this, you’ll also enjoy:

• https://poulef.com/date-walnut-loaf
• https://poulef.com/coffee-cake-loaf
• https://poulef.com/espresso-desserts
• https://poulef.com/winter-baking-recipes
• https://poulef.com/simple-loaf-cakes

Interactive Elements

If you bake this loaf, leave a review below!
Share your slice on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Sodium
320	14g	7g	46g	26g	5g	210mg

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