Date and Walnut Cake

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It is the most wonderful time of the year and the countdown for Christmas has started. I am looking forward to the festive season- days off from work, snuggling in the couch, and watching holiday movies. But nothing can touch the distinct holiday feeling like digging into a cake while watching the decorated Christmas tree.

Filled with soft, juicy dates and crunchy walnuts, this Date and Walnut Cake is made with just a few pantry staples and the perfect accompaniment to your favorite beverage.
The dates add the perfect amount of sweetness to the soft and moist cake while the walnuts add an incredible textural contrast with their crunchy nuttiness. It is hard to stop at one slice!
DO THE DATES NEED TO BE SOAKED FIRST?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Soaking the dates with baking soda in boiling water before baking is the best way to get the perfect texture.

MORE DESSERTS TO SINK YOUR SWEET TOOTH INTO:
HOW LONG DOES THE CAKE LAST?

This cake stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

VARIATIONS
  • Swap the nuts: If you are not fond of walnuts, feel free to add almonds, cashews,or pecans.
  • Add more spices: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger would make a spiced version of this cake.
  • Add Coffee: Instead of soaking the dates in boiling water, soak them in hot coffee instead. Once baked, the cake will have a taste of coffee throughout.
  • Top with Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a layer of sweetness and tang with a Cream Cheese frosting.


If you made this Date & Walnut Cake, I would love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below.



Date & Walnut Cake Date and Walnut Cake
Author: Happily Cooking
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 333kcal




Ingredients:
  • 170 g dates, pitted, chopped finely
  • 115 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 120 ml boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Instructions:
  1. To a large mixing bowl, add the dates, baking soda, the boiling water and the melted butter. Stir and set aside for 15 minutes.
  2. Lightly grease a 1-pound loaf pan with some oil. Line with parchment paper letting the sides overhang the pan to form a sling. This helps to lift the bread out later on.
  3. Preheat the oven to 180°Celsius.
  4. To the bowl with the dates, add in the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk well to combine.
  5. In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt and 3/4 of the chopped walnuts.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until there are no pockets or streaks of flour. Do not be tempted to overmix!
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top of it with a spatula.
  8. Add the remaining chopped walnuts over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Enjoy with a cup of hot tea / coffee.

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