Old Fashioned Date and Nut Cake

This old fashioned date and nut cake is simple, cozy, and full of flavor. The dates make it soft and a little sticky, the walnuts add just enough crunch, and it’s super easy to make. It is not just for the holidays; this is the kind of cake you’ll want all year round.

Check out my video for this old fashioned date and walnut cake. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more simple baking recipes.

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Why I Keep Making This Old Fashioned Date And Nut Cake

Whenever I bake this old fashioned date and walnut cake, I know exactly how it will come out. The crumb stays soft, the dates melt into the batter, and the walnuts add a gentle crunch. I like recipes that have never given me trouble.

I first made it because it reminded me of the loaf cakes that my grandma used to bake. Over time it became one of those cakes I reach for when I want something simple but still comforting.

I have tried different versions of this cake, and the only thing that really changes the result is how soft the dates are. Firm dates need extra soaking and sometimes a little more hot water.

When the dates are soft from the start, the texture is always nicer. I also learned not to skip the walnuts. Without them, the cake tastes fine, but it feels less interesting. The walnuts help break up the softness and give the slices a better bite.

This recipe is steady, simple, and never fussy. It keeps its moisture for days and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients For this Old Fashioned Date And Walnut Cake

This is everything you need for baking one loaf cake.

Cake Ingredients

• 1 and 1 half cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 half cup boiling water
• 1 quarter cup dark rum, or strong coffee, or rum extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 thirds cup of brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1 third cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 half teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Note: If your dates are very dry or firm, plan to add a tiny splash of extra hot water during the soaking stage. Soft dates are much nicer to work with.

Equipment

You do not need special tools for this cake. Normal kitchen items are enough.

• one medium mixing bowl
• one small heatproof bowl or jug
• spoon or spatula
• cutting board and sharp knife
• measuring cups and spoons
• loaf pan
• parchment paper

Top Tip: Line the loaf pan with parchment and leave some extra hanging over the long sides. Later, you can just grab the paper and lift the cake out.

How To Make This Old Fashioned Date And Walnut Cake

You will first soften the dates, then mix the batter, then bake the loaf. The whole process is very straightforward.

Soften The Dates

This step helps the dates soften and settle into the batter properly, so you do not get hard, chewy pieces.

Step 1: Put the chopped dates into a small heatproof bowl.

Step 2: Pour the dark rum or strong coffee over the dates if you are using it. If not, you can skip straight to the hot water.

Step 3: Add the boiling water to the bowl.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the baking soda and stir everything together.

Step 5: Leave the bowl on the counter for about ten minutes. The dates will soften and the liquid will cool slightly.

Mix The Wet Ingredients

Now you turn the soaked dates into the base of your batter. This all happens in the same bowl.

Step 6: Add the sugar to the bowl of softened dates and stir until everything is mixed together.

Step 7: Crack in the egg and stir until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, the mixture should smell sweet and warm.

Add The Dry Ingredients And Walnuts

This is where the batter comes together and starts to look like cake.

Step 9: In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, and salt so they are evenly mixed.

Step 10: Tip the dry ingredients into the bowl with the date mixture. Stir gently until you no longer see dry flour. Try not to keep stirring once it is combined so the cake stays soft.

Step 11: Add the chopped walnuts and stir them through the batter so they are spread fairly evenly.

Step 12: Pour in the melted butter. It should be warm but not hot. Stir again until the batter looks thick and even.

The batter will feel heavy and thick. That is exactly how it should be for this kind of loaf cake.

Note: If the butter is very hot when you pour it in, it can change the texture of the batter or cook little bits of egg. Let it sit for a few minutes after melting before you use it.

Top Tip: If you like the look of nuts on top, keep a small handful of walnuts aside and sprinkle them over the surface of the batter once it is in the pan.

Baking The Cake

Now the cake goes into the oven. This part is mostly just timing and checking.

Step 13: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 180 degrees Celsius, and make sure the rack is in the middle position before you start baking.

Step 14: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the long sides.

Step 15: Spoon the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula so it is level.

Step 16: Place the pan on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes.

You will notice the kitchen start to smell sweet and toasty as the cake bakes. The top should turn a deep golden colour.

Step 17: Check the centre of the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If you see wet batter, give it another five minutes and test again.

Step 18: When the cake is ready, take the pan out of the oven and set it on a rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for about fifteen minutes.

Step 19: Use the parchment paper to lift the cake out of the pan and place it directly on the rack to cool completely.

Top Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly while the centre is still not done, you can lay a loose piece of foil on top of the pan to slow down the colour.

What Does This Date Cake Taste Like?

This cake has a moist, soft crumb with little bits of dates and walnuts all throughout the slice. The sweetness is gentle, not heavy, and feels warm rather than sharp.

The dates give the cake a rich, almost caramel-like note, and the walnuts add a clean crunch that stops the texture from feeling too soft. The slices hold together well and do not crumble when you pick them up. This cake often tastes even better on the second day because the crumb relaxes a little and the flavour settles.

Related Recipe: If you love sweet, rich, cozy cakes, you’ve got to check out this traditional Sri Lankan Christmas cake here too.

How To Serve Date And Walnut Cake

You can keep it very simple or dress it up a little. The cake is flexible and works in a few different ways.

1. Serve plain at room temperature, cut into thick slices
2. Warm a slice slightly and add a little butter on top
3. Toast a slice lightly under the grill or in a toaster oven for firmer edges
4. Pair with plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for breakfast
5. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream for dessert

Top Tip: For clean, neat slices, let the cake cool almost completely before you cut it. Warm cake tastes lovely but tends to crumble more.

How To Store And Freeze

Good storage helps you enjoy this cake over several days without losing its soft texture.

Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it well in parchment or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. It will stay moist for two to three days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can keep it in the fridge, but bring slices back to room temperature before eating so the crumb softens again.

This cake also freezes very well.

• Slice the cooled cake into portions
• Wrap each slice, or a few slices together, in parchment or plastic
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag
• Label and freeze

When you want a slice, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also warm it gently in the microwave or oven if you prefer it warm.

Check Out More Easy Cake Recipes

If you enjoy fruit cakes, pop over to my YouTube channel and take a look at all my fruit cake and other cake recipes. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss any new videos.

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I hope you enjoy exploring these recipes. Happy baking!