If you’re craving a dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of dates with the irresistible crunch of nuts, this Easy Date and Nut Cake deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s the kind of loaf you make once and never forget—the crumb is moist, the flavor is deep and spiced, and the process is so wonderfully approachable you’ll want to bake it for every gathering (or quiet afternoon in). A true comfort classic, this cake will quickly become your go-to for treating both family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy Date and Nut Cake is how a few pantry staples transform into something special. Each ingredient plays its part—some add sweetness, others contribute texture, and a handful lend aromas that fill your kitchen with nostalgia.
- Chopped Pitted Dates (1 cup): These bring natural sweetness and a tender, chewy texture to every bite—use the freshest dates you can for the best flavor.
- Boiling Water (1 cup): Softens the dates, helping them melt right into the batter and making the crumb super moist.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gets sprinkled over the dates; it helps soften them further and aids in rising.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (1/2 cup): For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—let it come to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Deepens the flavor and keeps the cake luscious and moist.
- Large Eggs (2): These bind everything together and help lift the loaf as it bakes.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the loaf its structure and soft crumb.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle, reliable rise.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Lends cozy spiced notes that pair perfectly with the dates and nuts.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to complement the cinnamon and deepen the aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1 cup): These add crunch and a nutty finish; toast them for extra flavor if you like.
How to Make Easy Date and Nut Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan (lining it with parchment makes the cake super easy to lift out later). Pop your chopped dates into a medium bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour boiling water over them. Give everything a stir, then let it sit for about 10 minutes—this softens the dates and creates a glossy mixture that will blend seamlessly into your cake batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In your largest mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and noticeably paler. This process makes the cake crumb delightfully tender. If you have a stand or hand mixer, use it for this step—otherwise, a sturdy spoon and a bit of elbow grease work just as well!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar mixture is creamy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully incorporated. The result will smell heavenly already!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients apart from the wet ensures the spices, leaveners, and salt distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Add the dry mixture to your creamed batter, stirring gently until just combined. Now it’s time to fold in the date mixture—liquid and all—plus the chopped walnuts or pecans. Don’t overmix at this stage; you want to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour your completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in its pan for about 10 minutes (this helps it firm up), then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation is real!
How to Serve Easy Date and Nut Cake
Garnishes
This cake is already so flavorful, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds instant elegance. For a more decadent touch, serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. If you’re in the mood to impress, a scattering of chopped nuts over the top or a few extra chopped dates can really make it pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Date and Nut Cake with a hot cup of black tea or coffee for a timeless teatime snack. It’s also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream if you’re leaning dessert. For a brunch spread, offer fresh citrus segments or a tart fruit compote on the side to balance the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the loaf into thick, hearty slices for a rustic look, or cube it for a fun dessert board alongside cheeses and fresh fruit. You can even toast slices and slather them with a bit of butter for a comforting breakfast twist. For an elegant dessert, serve warm slices with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of extra spices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Date and Nut Cake keeps like a dream! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on your counter for up to three days. The flavors actually bloom and deepen after a day or two, so leftovers only get better.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Slice the cake, wrap each piece in plastic, and stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Defrost slices on the counter or pop them in the microwave whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until soft and fragrant. Toasting the slices brings back a wonderful crispiness at the edges while keeping the center moist.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this cake?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, almonds or cashews also work beautifully. You can even try a blend for an extra nutty twist—just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The cake will still be moist and flavorful, though the texture may be slightly different.
Does the Easy Date and Nut Cake taste better the next day?
Yes! Allowing the cake to rest overnight gives the flavors time to develop and meld, resulting in a richer, more harmonious taste. If you can resist cutting into it right away, it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! A generous handful of dark or semisweet chocolate chips stirs in perfectly before baking. They’ll add melty pockets of chocolate throughout, which pairs deliciously with the dates and spices.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This Easy Date and Nut Cake is vegetarian, as written. With the right substitutions—like dairy-free butter and a flax egg—it can easily be adapted for a vegan diet. Always check labels to ensure all your ingredients align with your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a loaf of Easy Date and Nut Cake out of the oven—the aroma alone feels like a warm hug. Whether you serve it for a cozy family treat or slice it up for company, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making (and sharing) again and again. Give this simple, satisfying bake a try and enjoy the sweet, nutty comfort it brings!
Print
Easy Date and Nut Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Date and Nut Cake recipe is a moist and flavorful loaf cake perfect for teatime or a sweet treat. Filled with chopped dates and nuts, this simple yet delicious cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dates Mixture:
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cake Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl, add baking soda, and pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix Batter: Cream butter and brown sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in softened dates and nuts.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This cake tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
- Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with whipped cream.
- Try almonds or cashews instead of walnuts for variation.
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