Description
This Easy Date and Nut Cake is a moist, flavorful loaf cake perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. Made with naturally sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and a touch of vanilla, this recipe is simple to prepare and baked to perfection. It combines wholesome ingredients with a delightful texture, offering a delicious treat that’s easy to whip up in under an hour and a half.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Soften Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl, add the baking soda, and pour the boiling water over them. Let this mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the dates and create a flavorful base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add Dates to Wet Mix: Incorporate the soaked dates along with their water into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the lined loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, lower glycemic option.
- Use either butter or coconut oil depending on preference or dietary needs.
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
