Irresistible Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake Recipe (Easy & Moist)

Thank you for being here today, my friends! I’m so excited to share with you one of the most nostalgic bakes from Mary Berry’s repertoire—her famous Date and Walnut Cake. This timeless recipe has everything: sweetness from the dates, crunch from the walnuts, and that cozy aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a hug.

This cake is easy to make, perfect for sharing, and always a crowd-pleaser at weekend gatherings, coffee mornings, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss more recipes like this.

Overview of Recipe Content

This Date and Walnut Cake is:

• Perfect for tea-time, weekend gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Moist, nutty, and gently sweet with caramel undertones.
• A cozy balance of textures: chewy dates, crunchy walnuts, and soft crumb.
• A good source of natural sweetness (dates are packed with fiber and minerals!).
• Wonderful all year, but especially in fall and winter when you want comforting bakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened and diced, plus extra for greasing
• 250 g (1⅔ cups) soft, pitted dates, roughly chopped
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) boiling water
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 55 g (¼ cup) dark muscovado sugar
• 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
• 225 g (1¾ cups) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 100 g (¾ cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon demerara sugar

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand whisk (optional but helpful)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Loaf tin or square cake tin (greased and lined)

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
• Add orange zest for a citrusy lift.
• For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and use Greek yogurt.

How to Make Date and Walnut Cake

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1. Prep the Dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl, pour over boiling water, and stir in the coffee granules. Let sit 10 minutes until softened—this makes the cake extra moist.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter with muscovado sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs: Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Fold gently into the wet mixture.
5. Bring It Together: Stir in the softened dates (with their liquid) and the chopped walnuts. The batter will smell incredible already!
6. Bake: Spoon into your prepared tin, sprinkle with demerara sugar, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes, until golden and firm.
7. Cool & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a pat of butter or at room temp with tea.

What to Serve with Date and Walnut Cake

• A strong cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea.
• A dollop of clotted cream for indulgence.
• Fresh fruit slices like apple or pear for balance.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix once the flour is in—this keeps it tender.
• Use fresh, soft dates (Medjool are best).
• Toast walnuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight tin for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.

General Information

Date and walnut cakes are old-fashioned British teatime classics. The coffee in this recipe enhances the depth of the dates without making it taste like coffee cake—it’s more of a subtle background note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors deepen.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Swap self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Dates bring natural sweetness, so you can cut sugar by 20–30%.

Conclusion

There you have it—Mary Berry’s Date and Walnut Cake, a moist, nutty, and comforting bake that’s guaranteed to win hearts. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Moist Banana Bread Recipe or this Easy Apple Cake for more fruity, cozy baking.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your photos with me on Pinterest!

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Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe, please leave a review below! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so I can see your delicious bakes.

Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 10)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
285	36g	5g	14g	20g	3g

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