Name: Healthy Date and Walnut Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups chopped pitted dates; 1 cup boiling water; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour; ½ cup oat flour or ground oats; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger (optional); 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or applesauce; ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped walnuts; Optional: ¼ cup chopped dates for topping

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A naturally sweet and wholesome cake bursting with moist dates, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices—deliciously healthy yet indulgent, perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened with dates—no refined sugar added
Moist, tender crumb with satisfying walnut crunch
Packed with fiber and nutrients from wholesome ingredients
Easy to enjoy any time—great for breakfast, snack, or dessert

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup whole wheat or all‑purpose flour
½ cup oat flour or ground oats
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or applesauce
¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts
Optional: ¼ cup chopped dates for topping

Directions

Prep dates: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan. Place chopped dates in a bowl, pour boiling water and baking soda over them, and let sit 10 minutes to soften.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, beat eggs with yogurt, oil, and vanilla.
Combine all: Stir date mixture (with liquid) into wet ingredients. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in half the walnuts; reserve the rest for topping.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved walnuts and dates on top. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Makes: 9–12 squares
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 10-minute soaking)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

Spice it up: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or cardamom
Citrus boost: Stir in 1 tsp orange zest for added brightness
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend
Extra protein: Fold in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or roasting them for extra crunch
Iced twist: Drizzle lightly with yogurt sweetened with honey or maple syrup

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 325 °F oven for 5–7 minutes if desired.

Healthy Date and Walnut Cake

FAQs

Is this cake dairy-free?

It can be—substitute Greek yogurt with applesauce or a non-dairy yogurt, and use coconut oil.

Can I use medjool dates?

Yes—chop them finely and adjust soaking time; they add extra caramel-like sweetness.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely—freeze cooled cake squares in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

What makes the cake moist?

Dates, yogurt (or applesauce), and oil provide both moisture and tenderness.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes—bake in a smaller pan and reduce baking time slightly (start checking at 20 minutes).

Are walnuts necessary?

They add great texture, but you can omit or swap for pecans or almonds.

Is this cake sweet enough?

Yes—the dates are naturally sweet, but you can drizzle with a bit of honey if you prefer sweeter.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely—fold in raisins, dried apricots, or dark chocolate chips for variety.

What pan gives best result?

An 8×8 metal or glass pan works well; lining it with parchment makes removal easy.

Is this healthy enough for breakfast?

Yes—nutritious oils, whole grains, fruits, and nuts make it a wholesome breakfast or snack treat.

Conclusion

This Healthy Date and Walnut Cake delivers naturally sweet, wholesome goodness in every moist, nutty bite. Easy to make ahead, protein-packed, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a deliciously healthy choice for any time you crave a mindful treat. Savor every wholesome mouthful!

Jessica