Table of Contents
Introduction
This loaf is a fast, everyday cake that feels cozy without fuss. Chopped dates get a quick soak to build natural sweetness and a tender crumb. Walnuts add crunch and an easy snackable texture for breakfasts or coffee breaks. For more fast dessert inspiration check out this quick no bake cheesecake that pairs well with afternoon tea. Ready in under an hour of hands-on plus bake time, it’s ideal when you want a homemade treat without a long recipe.
Nutty Date and Walnut Cake with a Hint of Warm Spices
A fast, cozy loaf cake featuring chopped dates and walnuts that is perfect for breakfasts or coffee breaks.
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for soaking dates)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for batter)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with boiling water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Let it soak for 15 minutes to soften.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add the soaked date mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with extra walnuts.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To speed cleanup, line the pan with parchment that overhangs so you can lift the loaf out without scraping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg