This Date & Walnut Tea Cake is a sweet treat packed with soft dates and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy snack!
I love how moist this cake is; it feels like a warm hug in every slice! Pair it with a cup of tea, and you have the perfect pick-me-up on a rainy day. ☕️🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chopped Dates: These are the star of the tea cake, adding natural sweetness and moisture. If fresh dates are hard to come by, raisins or figs can be a good substitute, although the flavor will be different.
Walnuts: They add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit them or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds for additional texture.
Butter: Unsalted is best for balancing flavors. You can use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free version if needed.
Brown Sugar: This gives depth to the sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of white sugar) as a substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Soften Dates Properly?
Getting the dates soft is important for the right texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use boiling water to soak the chopped dates – this helps them become plump and easy to mix into the batter.
- Let them sit in the water for at least 10 minutes. The longer they soak, the easier they’ll blend into the cake.
- Make sure to include the soaking liquid in your batter for extra moisture.
How Do I Ensure My Cake is Perfectly Baked?
Baking times can vary, so here’s how to check if your cake is done:
- Start checking around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- Keep an eye on the top to ensure it doesn’t burn – if it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
Enjoy baking your Date & Walnut Tea Cake, and I hope it becomes a favorite for you too! 🧁🍵
How to Make Date & Walnut Tea Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: caramel sauce or golden syrup for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Date & Walnut Tea Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for a bit before slicing, so the flavors can meld beautifully together. All in all, you’ll want to set aside about 1.5 hours for this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure your 9×5-inch loaf pan is ready by greasing and flouring it. This will help the cake release easily once baked.
2. Soak the Chopped Dates:
In a bowl, mix the chopped dates with boiling water and stir in the baking soda. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This softens the dates and makes them easier to incorporate into the cake batter.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a nice texture in your cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Fold in Dates and Walnuts:
Now, fold in the soaked dates along with their liquid, and then add the chopped walnuts. This adds texture and a great nutty flavor to the cake.
8. Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with a few extra walnuts on top for a nice crunch.
9. Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end—every oven is a little different!
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps prevent sogginess.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
For a sweet finishing touch, drizzle caramel sauce or golden syrup over the top of the cooled cake right before serving. Now it’s time to enjoy your moist and flavorful Date & Walnut Tea Cake with a lovely cup of tea!
Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful treat! 🍰☕️
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Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely crunch, you can easily substitute them with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them up similarly to maintain the texture.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum for better structure and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Use Fresh Dates Instead of Dried Dates?
Yes, fresh dates will work, but you may need to chop them more finely since they tend to be softer. If they are very moist, you might want to reduce the boiling water slightly to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
