Oh my sweet friends… if there’s one loaf that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon, it’s this Date & Walnut Loaf Cake.

The rich caramel sweetness of softened dates, the gentle crunch of toasted walnuts, the whisper of cinnamon in every bite… it’s the kind of cake that makes you slow down and pour another cup of tea.

This recipe has that old-fashioned bakery charm — simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a texture so moist it almost melts on your fork. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a comforting dessert after dinner.

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Now, let’s bake something beautiful.

Overview of Date & Walnut Loaf Cake

This loaf cake is:

• Rich and moist
• Naturally sweet from dates
• Warmly spiced
• Buttery and tender
• Perfect for fall and winter
• Freezer-friendly

What Makes It Special?

The secret is soaking the dates in hot water with baking soda. It softens them into a luscious paste-like texture that melts into the batter, creating incredible moisture and depth.

The walnuts add crunch and balance the sweetness perfectly.

Full Ingredient List (Makes 1 Standard 9×5 Loaf)

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Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)

Date Mixture

• 1 cup (180g) pitted dates, chopped
• ¾ cup (180ml) hot water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (for soaking dates)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• ¾ cup (90g) chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for best flavor)

Ingredient Tips for the Best Loaf

Dates

Use soft Medjool dates if possible. They’re naturally caramel-like and moist.

Brown Sugar

Adds depth and enhances the date flavor.

Toasted Walnuts

Toast for 5–7 minutes at 350°F for extra nutty richness.

Cinnamon

Optional, but it gives warmth that complements the dates beautifully.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×5 loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Saucepan or heatproof bowl

How to Make Date & Walnut Loaf Cake

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Step 1: Soak the Dates

Place chopped dates in a bowl.

Pour hot water over them.

Add ½ teaspoon baking soda.

Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

This softens the dates and creates that luscious texture.

Step 2: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease or line loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time.

Add vanilla extract.

Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Add Date Mixture

Stir soaked dates (including liquid) into batter.

The mixture will look slightly loose — that’s perfect.

Step 7: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Do not overmix.

Step 8: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in chopped walnuts.

Step 9: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 50–60 minutes.

Toothpick inserted should come out clean.

If top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Step 10: Cool

Let cool in pan 15 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Texture & Flavor Profile

This loaf is:

• Moist and tender
• Slightly dense (in the best way)
• Naturally sweet
• Nutty and aromatic
• Comforting and nostalgic

The dates almost melt into the crumb, giving little pockets of sweetness.

What to Serve with Date & Walnut Loaf Cake

• Salted butter spread
• Cream cheese
• Drizzle of honey
• Warm chai latte
• Black coffee

It’s perfect for cozy afternoons.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t skip soaking the dates
• Use room temperature butter and eggs
• Toast walnuts for deeper flavor
• Let loaf cool fully before slicing
• Wrap overnight for even better flavor

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Wrap slices individually. Freeze up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 10 Slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	20g
Fat	14g
Protein	4g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I replace butter?
Yes, use coconut oil.

Can I reduce sugar?
You can reduce slightly since dates are sweet.

Can I add orange zest?
Absolutely — it adds brightness!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Banana Walnut Bread – https://poulef.com/banana-walnut-bread
• Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake – https://poulef.com/cinnamon-coffee-cake
• Maple Pecan Loaf – https://poulef.com/maple-pecan-loaf
• Carrot Walnut Cake – https://poulef.com/carrot-walnut-cake
• Moist Apple Loaf Cake – https://poulef.com/moist-apple-loaf-cake

Interactive Pinterest Section

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Tell me:

• Did you toast the walnuts?
• Did you add cinnamon?
• Did you serve it warm with butter?

Tag me so I can see your beautiful loaves!

Nutritional Breakdown Table

Serving Size	1 Slice
Calories	280
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	20g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

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