The Best Date and Walnut Cake Recipe: Sweet Homemade Magic

Sweet memories of childhood baking adventures come flooding back with this delightful date and walnut cake that promises comfort in every slice.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through the air as rich, nutty aromas begin to fill your space.

Moist crumbs promise a delectable experience that blends natural sweetness with hearty texture.

Carefully selected ingredients create a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Nutty walnuts provide a delightful crunch against soft, caramel-like dates nestled within tender cake layers.

Baking this treat connects you to generations of home cooks who understood the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Let the oven work its charm and transform these humble components into a slice of pure happiness.

Why Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake Is So Nutty And Sweet

• Boost Family Moments: Create a delightful dessert that brings everyone together, perfect for sharing warm slices during afternoon tea or after-dinner treats.
• Master Baking Skills: Develop confidence in the kitchen with a straightforward recipe that guides you through each step, helping you learn new baking techniques without stress.
• Packed with Flavor Depth: Combine rich dates, crunchy walnuts, and subtle coffee notes for a complex taste profile that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Quick Ingredient Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing method make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a successful bake every time.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender cake texture.
• Dates: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Flour: Forms the structural base of the cake.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and helps create a light, airy structure.

• Brown Sugar, Demerara Sugar: Contribute deep caramel notes and additional moisture.

• Walnuts: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and textural contrast to the cake.
• Hot Water: Helps soften dates and integrate ingredients smoothly.
• Coffee: Deepens the overall flavor profile and complements the dates.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the cake's overall flavor.

How To Make Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set it to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 2lb loaf tin and line it with baking paper.

Step 2: Create Flavor Infusion

• Butter
• Dates
• Hot water
• Coffee

Let the mixture sit and mingle for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to soften and release their delicious essence.

Step 3: Sweeten The Mix

Stir in both sugars until well blended. Crack the eggs and mix thoroughly, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Fold carefully to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Mix in most of the walnuts, saving some for topping. This adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top and dust with demerara sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 30 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 170°C (150°C fan). Continue baking for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Tips For Better Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake

• Soften Dates Perfectly: Soak dates in hot water and coffee to ensure they break down completely, creating a moist and rich cake texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold flour mixture gently to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• Nut Distribution Trick: Reserve some walnuts for topping to create a beautiful, crunchy surface with extra visual appeal.
• Temperature Control Magic: Start baking at higher temperature, then reduce heat to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: Cool cake in the tin briefly before transferring to a rack, helping it retain moisture and structural integrity.

Delicious Twists On Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake

• Gluten-Free Date and Walnut Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Date and Walnut Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Low-Sugar Date and Walnut Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce total sugar amount, and increase date quantity for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile and textural experience.

Perfect Pairings For Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Custard: The rich, smooth vanilla custard complements the cake's dense texture and deep date flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Serve with Espresso Martini: The bold coffee notes in the cocktail echo the coffee used in the cake, while its slightly bitter undertones balance the cake's sweetness.
• Match with Aged Tawny Port: This sweet fortified wine's caramel and nutty characteristics beautifully enhance the walnut and date elements in the cake.
• Accompany with Cinnamon Chai Latte: The warm spices in the chai harmonize with the cake's deep, earthy flavors, providing a comforting and aromatic pairing.

How To Store Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake Safely

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Stays good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bring to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor preservation.

Delia Smith Date And Walnut Cake FAQ Section

• Why do I need to soak dates in hot water and coffee?

The hot liquid softens the dates, making them easier to blend and creating a richer, moister cake texture that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds, which will provide a similar nutty crunch and complement the date’s sweetness.

• What's the purpose of adding demerara sugar on top?

Demerara sugar creates a delightful caramelized, crispy top layer that adds a beautiful golden crunch and extra sweetness to the cake’s surface.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Date And Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 90-95 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet date and walnut cake brings Middle Eastern comfort to your dessert table, blending rich flavors with nostalgic warmth. Rich nutty notes and caramel-like dates create a memorable slice that connects home bakers with traditional Mediterranean baking traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt

Fruits and Nuts:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) soft dates, pitted and chopped
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) walnuts, chopped

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter, diced and softened
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) caster sugar
• 55 grams (1.9 ounces) dark muscovado sugar
• 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) boiling water
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare a 2lb loaf tin with grease and parchment paper.
2. Create a moisture-rich base by blending butter, dates, hot water, and coffee. Allow the mixture to infuse for half an hour, developing deep flavors.
3. Incorporate both sugars into the softened date mixture, then thoroughly integrate eggs until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gently fold sifted flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, maintaining a light texture and avoiding overmixing.
5. Distribute the majority of chopped walnuts throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, artfully scattering remaining walnuts and sprinkling demerara sugar across the surface for a caramelized finish.
7. Initial baking phase requires 30 minutes at 180°C, then reduce temperature to 170°C (150°C fan) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until a skewer emerges clean.
8. Allow cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack, permitting complete cooling to enhance structural integrity and flavor development.

Notes

• Soften dates in hot water and coffee to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more tender cake texture.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a lighter, more delicate crumb.
• Drizzle with a light coffee glaze or cream cheese frosting to elevate the cake’s richness and add an extra layer of indulgence.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 281 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg