Thank you so much for stopping by! Today I’m absolutely delighted to share my Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake recipe—a warm, comforting cake that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. This date walnut cake truly delivers on its promise and then some. If you love hearty, flavorful baking, you won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to subscribe for fresh recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
🌟 Overview of Recipe Content
This Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake is cozy enough for a chilly brunch, sweet enough for a festive afternoon tea, and substantial enough to be a satisfying dessert. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Why you’ll love it: A tender crumb flecked with soft, caramel-like dates and a satisfying walnut crunch. Warm spices give it that cozy, holiday hug in every bite.
- Tastes like: A symphony of cinnamon and nutmeg, layers of sweet date richness, and nutty depth from chopped walnuts.
- Health/seasonal benefits: Dates provide natural sweetness and fiber, while walnuts add heart-healthy fats. A more mindful dessert choice without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
- ½ tsp baking powder (2 g)
- ¼ tsp salt (1 g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (2.5 g)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (1 g)
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped (150 g)
- ¾ cup boiling water (180 ml) with ½ tsp baking soda (2 g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (150 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
Tools needed:
- 9×5″ loaf pan (or 2 lb)
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Saucepot to pre-soak dates
- Spatula
- Parchment paper sling is a handy trick!
Substitutions/additions:
- Swap nuts: pecans, almonds, hazelnuts
- Spice it up: add ½ tsp ginger or clove for holiday flair
- For a boozy twist, soak walnuts in bourbon before folding in
🍰 How to Make Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake
- Preheat & prep — Preheat oven to 350 °F. Line loaf pan with parchment sling and lightly grease.
- Soak the dates — Combine dates, boiling water, and ½ tsp baking soda in a bowl; stir and set aside for 15 minutes. This softens them beautifully.
- Mix dry ingredients — In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter & sugar — In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs & dates — Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the soaked date mixture (including liquid). The aroma at this point is dreamy!
- Combine — Fold dry ingredients into wet until no streaks remain. Then gently fold in chopped walnuts.
- Bake — Spoon batter into loaf pan, sprinkle extra walnuts, and bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool — Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then lift out onto rack to cool completely before slicing.
As you bake, your kitchen fills with cozy warmth—school-day lunches or Sunday treats await!
🧁 What to Serve with Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake
- A dollop of crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese with honey drizzle
- A steaming cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or bold coffee
- A fresh fruit salad with citrus and mint to cut the sweetness
- Companion recipes you might love:
🔧 Tips for Making It Perfect
- Soak dates well — don’t rush this step, it ensures a tender texture.
- Line the pan! — using a parchment sling makes cake removal effortless.
- Don’t overmix — folding until just combined keeps the cake tender.
- Check early — start checking at 45 minutes; ovens vary.
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Room temp: store airtight up to 5 days
- Fridge: wrap well and use within 7 days
- Freeze: wrap slices individually; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
📜 General Information
Date and walnut cakes have roots in British and vintage American baking traditions. They were beloved for using accessible pantry ingredients, with dried fruit brightening cold-season tables. Today they remain a comforting classic!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the dates?
Yes, but the cake loses its signature sweetness and moistness. Sub dried apricots or prunes instead.
Can I make this eggless?
Yes! Use 2 flax “eggs” (2 Tbsp flaxmeal + 6 Tbsp water, set for 5 min).
Will it rise well?
Yes—thanks to baking soda/powder. Give it room and high in the oven for an even top.
Why soak in baking soda?
It softens dates faster and neutralizes their acidity for better texture.
🙏 Conclusion
This Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake is a true winner—heartwarming flavors, great texture, and so simple to make. If you adore it, try Banana Walnut Bread or Spiced Apple Cake next! Thanks for baking with me—can’t wait to hear how yours turns out.
💬 Interactive Elements
Loved this? Please leave a review—your feedback makes my day! Snap a photo and tag on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ so I can see your creations.
🥗 Nutritional Information (per slice, ~12 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Moist and Nutty Date and Walnut Cake with a Hint of Warm Spices
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deeply moist and comforting date and walnut loaf cake, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg—perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
1½ cups all‑purpose flour (190 g)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 cup chopped dates (150 g)
¾ cup boiling water + ½ tsp soda
½ cup unsalted butter (115 g)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare loaf pan.
2. Soak dates in boiling water + baking soda for 15 min.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together.
4. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and date mixture.
5. Fold in dry mix and walnuts; do not overmix.
6. Pour into pan, top with walnuts, bake 45–55 min.
7. Cool in pan 10 min, then lift out and cool completely.
Notes
Make sure to soak the dates thoroughly for a tender crumb.
Use a parchment sling for easy loaf removal.
Check cake at 45 minutes—avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 50
