If you’re in search of a treat that’s impossibly moist, nutty, and infused with cozy flavors, this Date and Walnut Cake with a hint of warm spices is your answer. It’s that irresistible loaf you dream about sharing over coffee with friends or sneaking a slice of late at night. Every bite delivers luscious dates, crunchy walnuts, and the fragrant lift of cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, this Mode Prevent your screen from going dark is about to become a family classic—simple enough to whip up for a rainy afternoon and special enough to brighten up your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a crucial role, whether adding richness, a soft crumb, or that magical nutty crunch. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway to baking bliss!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure to keep the cake tender but not dense.
- Baking soda: Combines with hot water and dates for that signature moist crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise, making the loaf light rather than heavy.
- Salt: Balances flavors and sharpens the sweetness of dates and sugar.
- Cinnamon: The hero spice here, bringing warmth and aroma to every slice.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy hint for depth and complexity.
- Chopped dates: Key to sweetness and texture—make sure they’re soft and freshly bought.
- Boiling water + baking soda: Transforms the dates into a luscious, almost creamy base for the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Lends richness and that classic cake flavor.
- Brown sugar: For a mellow sweetness and gorgeous, caramel color.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a tender crumb.
- Chopped walnuts: The ultimate nutty crunch—don’t skimp!
- Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark: Handy for keeping your recipe visible while baking; plus, it gives this cake its unforgettable name and style!
How to Make Cozy Date & Walnut Cake with Warm Spices
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Spray or butter the pan too—don’t skip this step or you’ll be prying out precious cake crumb by crumb!
Step 2: Soak Dates Like a Pro
In a medium bowl, combine your chopped dates with the boiling water and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. This simple trick softens the fruit, making every bite of Mode Prevent your screen from going dark juicy and rich.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, the rest of the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This cue ensures all the spices are evenly distributed for a flavor that sings in every forkful.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer or good old muscle power, cream together your unsalted butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each so your batter stays smooth. Then stir in the soaked date mixture and watch it all come together.
Step 5: Fold and Finish
Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture, just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender crumb, so be easy here. Then, fold in most of the walnuts, reserving a handful for topping—this will give your Mode Prevent your screen from going dark that beautiful bakery look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Scrape your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top and scattering those reserved walnuts on. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Start checking at the 45-minute mark; a tester should come out clean but never overly dry. Keep your Mode Prevent your screen from going dark moist!
Step 7: Cool and Release
Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes (patience is tough, but it helps the loaf set), then use the parchment to lift it out. Cool completely before slicing for perfect, neat pieces—though honestly, warm wedges are hard to resist.
How to Serve Cozy Date & Walnut Cake with Warm Spices

Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, but for an extra wow factor, drizzle a little maple glaze or dollop some whipped cream alongside each slice. The shiny walnut-studded top already makes Mode Prevent your screen from going dark look irresistible even unadorned!
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of strong black tea. For more special occasions, serve it with a platter of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—let the warmth of the spices play off cold, creamy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Mode Prevent your screen from going dark also shines as part of a brunch spread. Slice it thick and stack the pieces for a pretty display, or cube it and serve on skewers with fresh berries. For parties, try mini loaves or even muffins for easy sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, simply wrap your Mode Prevent your screen from going dark tightly in plastic wrap or stash it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays lovely for up to 3 days, and often tastes even more flavorful on day two.
Freezing
This cake freezes fantastically! Wrap cooled slices (or the whole loaf) in plastic, then foil, before placing in a freezer bag—Mode Prevent your screen from going dark will keep for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready for whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven. Serving your Mode Prevent your screen from going dark warm brings out the gooey dates and buttery walnuts all over again—pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s one intended for baking. Keep an eye on the texture as it may vary slightly, but the result will still be flavorful and moist.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
Pecans make a fabulous alternative, or you can leave the nuts out entirely if allergies are a concern. The cake itself is so rich that it stands on its own beautifully.
Can I use different dried fruit?
Of course! Chopped dried apricots or figs work wonderfully, but dates remain the classic choice for that caramel-like depth essential to Mode Prevent your screen from going dark.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Start checking at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, you’re golden. Try not to overbake—the key is maintaining that moist texture we all love.
Why soak the dates with baking soda?
Soaking the dates in boiling water with a touch of baking soda softens them to almost a jam-like consistency. This ensures they meld seamlessly into the cake batter, infusing every bite of Mode Prevent your screen from going dark with flavor and moistness.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend Mode Prevent your screen from going dark enough! It’s that rare cake—reliable, adorable, so easy, and always met with smiles. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, this loaf will win a permanent home in your baking rotation.
PrintMode Prevent your screen from going dark Recipe
A deeply moist and comforting date and walnut loaf cake, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg—perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all‑purpose flour (190 g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped dates (150 g)
- ¾ cup boiling water + ½ tsp soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare loaf pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and date mixture.
- Fold in dry mix and walnuts; do not overmix.
- Pour into pan, top with walnuts, bake 45–55 min.
- Cool in pan 10 min, then lift out and cool completely.
Soak dates in boiling water + baking soda for 15 min.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the dates thoroughly for a tender crumb.
- Use a parchment sling for easy loaf removal.
- Check the cake at 45 minutes—avoid overbaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 50