There is something truly comforting and irresistible about a slice of moist, warmly spiced cake studded with rich walnuts and luscious sweet dates. This Date and Walnut Cake Recipe captures all those delicious textures and flavors perfectly, delivering a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy afternoon tea or a wholesome dessert, this cake combines wholesome ingredients with simple kitchen magic to create a treat everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, light brown batter with visible darker chunks throughout, likely nuts or dried fruit. The batter has a slightly rough texture and sticks to the edges of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon is partially visible in the upper right corner, stirring the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Date and Walnut Cake Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build amazing flavor and texture. The luscious dates add natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts give the cake that satisfying crunch and earthiness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this cake delightfully tender and deeply flavorful.

200 g pitted dates (roughly chopped): These give the cake natural sweetness and a rich, chewy texture.
150 ml hot coffee: Enhances the flavor depth, balancing the sweetness and helping soften the dates.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
100 ml olive oil (or neutral oil): Adds moisture and a subtle richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
130 g dark muscovado sugar: Packed with molasses flavor that complements the dates beautifully.
80 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (or vegan sour cream or skyr): Contributes tenderness and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: Adds warmth and an inviting aroma.
250 g all-purpose flour: The structure base for the cake’s tender crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides extra lift for a fluffy texture.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
90 g walnuts (roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish): Adds crunch, nuttiness, and a rustic look on top.

How to Make Date and Walnut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Dates

Start by soaking the chopped dates in hot coffee combined with baking soda and olive oil. This not only softens the dates to melt into the batter but also activates the baking soda for a lighter cake. Stir everything well and let it rest for about 15 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

While the dates soak, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 1-pound loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends over the sides for easy cake removal later. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Into the bowl with the soaked dates, add the muscovado sugar, vegan yogurt, and vanilla flavoring. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This rich wet base will ensure every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the chopped walnuts. This careful mixing keeps the walnuts evenly distributed so you get a crunchy bite wherever you slice into the cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Batters

Now gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine everything nicely without losing the cake’s tender crumb. This step is all about balance to keep the cake light yet textured.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For an inviting finish, stud the top of the cake with extra whole walnuts. Placing the pan on a baking sheet helps the cake bake evenly from the bottom. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, checking at 45 minutes by piercing it with a toothpick. The toothpick should come out clean with a few moist crumbs when done. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Date and Walnut Cake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of dark brown nut bread with visible pieces of walnuts inside. The slice is in the foreground, resting on a wooden surface, and behind it, there is a stack of several similar slices arranged vertically. Each slice has a rough, textured surface with more walnuts on top. The background is softly blurred, making the bread the main focus of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra walnut halves on top right before baking gives a rustic, enticing look. When serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce beautifully complements the rich cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite hot tea or coffee, enhancing its warm flavors. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside creamy vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut cream for extra richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice this cake thick for a rustic look and plate it with fresh berries and a sprig of mint to add color and a hint of freshness. You could also cut it into small squares or loaf-shaped cupcakes as a charming snack for gatherings or afternoon teas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to five days if your kitchen is cool. Refrigeration extends the freshness to about a week.

Freezing

The cake freezes superbly well. Slice it first, separate the slices with parchment paper, and wrap tightly before placing in a sealed container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to one month without losing its wonderful texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake after freezing, allow slices to thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a warm treat, gently heat slices in a low oven or microwave just until warmed through; this revives the cake’s moist, tender qualities beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coffee with something else?

Absolutely! While coffee adds a lovely depth, you can replace it with hot water or a caffeine-free tea if preferred. The soaking liquid’s warmth also softens the dates, which is key for texture.

Is this Date and Walnut Cake Recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, it is! Using vegan yogurt and oil instead of butter keeps it completely plant-based without compromising indulgent flavor.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Definitely. Pecans or almonds can be great alternatives, offering different textures and flavors but still complementing the sweet dates beautifully.

Why do we soak the dates before mixing the batter?

Soaking softens the dates, making them tender and easier to incorporate into the batter. It also allows the flavors to meld, giving the cake its characteristic moistness and rich taste.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about five days. Refrigeration can extend this to a week, and freezing is perfect for keeping it for longer periods.

Final Thoughts

This Date and Walnut Cake Recipe is truly a star in any kitchen, offering a perfect balance of moist sweetness and satisfying crunch. It’s a warm hug in cake form, easy to make, and even easier to love. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your favorite people — you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!