Name: Date and Walnut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 200 g pitted dates, roughly chopped; 150 ml hot coffee; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 100 ml olive oil (or neutral oil such as sunflower or rapeseed oil); 130 g dark muscovado sugar; 80 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (or vegan sour cream or skyr); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 250 g all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 90 g walnuts, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)

If you are a fan of rich, moist cakes that combine the natural sweetness of fruit with the satisfying crunch of nuts, then this Date and Walnut Cake Recipe is just what you have been waiting for. Imagine tender chunks of caramel-like dates soaking into a soft spongy crumb, beautifully balanced by the earthy warmth of walnuts and a hint of coffee to deepen the flavors. It’s a timeless classic that makes every slice feel like a comforting hug from the inside out, perfect for sharing with friends or relishing with a cozy cup of tea. Once you try this Date and Walnut Cake Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to treats for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a dark brown liquid that holds small chopped pieces of nuts and some thinly sliced ingredients floating throughout. The mix looks wet and glossy, with layers mostly blending, showing a rich sauce texture. Nearby, small white dishes with dates and nuts are partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this cake is easy because the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and taste. From luscious dried dates to the rich dark muscovado sugar, every component builds layers of flavor and moisture that make this cake unforgettable.

200 g pitted dates (roughly chopped): These provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture that lifts the cake’s richness.
150 ml hot coffee: Adds a subtle depth that enhances the flavors without overpowering the cake.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps soften the dates and ensures a tender crumb.
100 ml olive oil (or neutral oil like sunflower or rapeseed): Keeps the cake moist and adds healthy oils for a soft bite.
130 g dark muscovado sugar: Its deep molasses flavor infuses the cake with warmth and complexity.
80 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (or vegan sour cream or skyr): Adds moisture and a slight tang for balance.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic aroma that brightens all the flavors.
250 g all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right density.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely rise for an airy texture.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the sweet notes and balances the flavor profile.
90 g walnuts (roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish): Nutty crunches that complement the sweet dates perfectly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Date and Walnut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Dates

Begin by combining the roughly chopped dates with baking soda, hot coffee, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. This soaking step is magical because the baking soda softens the dates, while the hot coffee infuses them with a rich depth. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to transform into a luscious base for your batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

While the dates soak, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 1-pound loaf pan with oil or vegan butter to ensure a perfect release. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make removing the cake a breeze once it’s baked.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Once your dates have softened, add the dark muscovado sugar, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and rich. This mixture is where your cake’s moist and tender texture begins to shine.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, and chopped walnuts. The walnuts bring a delightful crunch and a wonderful nutty aroma that will complement the sweet dates perfectly.

Step 5: Fold to Make the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula just until you don’t see any flour streaks left. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cake to stay tender and fluffy, not dense.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. For an extra inviting look and flavor, press a few whole walnuts on top. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Start checking at the 45-minute mark with a toothpick or knife—the cake is done when it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring onto a cooling rack.

How to Serve Date and Walnut Cake Recipe

A rectangular white metal baking pan filled with a thick, light brown batter with small chunks visible throughout. The batter is spread evenly inside the pan, which is placed on a white marbled surface. The texture of the batter looks smooth with some small lumps, showing it is ready to be baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce instantly elevates this cake’s presentation and taste. Fresh walnuts or even a sprinkle of cinnamon on top make wonderful finishing touches that let guests know you’ve put extra love into it.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a dollop of plant-based cream or your favorite vegan yogurt for a creamy contrast. A hot cuppa, whether coffee or chai, perfectly complements the cake’s rich, nutty flavors and makes for a cozy treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert, layer slices between vegan whipped cream and fresh berries to create a rustic cake parfait. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with dates and walnuts as a delightful tea-time indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days, but if your kitchen tends to be warm, storing it in the fridge will maintain its freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

This Date and Walnut Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cake and separate slices with parchment paper before wrapping or placing into a sealed container. Stored this way, it can stay frozen for up to one month without any loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake like it’s just baked, thaw frozen slices at room temperature for a couple of hours. Warm individual slices gently in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, freshly baked aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of vegan Greek-style yogurt?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for vegan yogurt to keep it plant-based, regular yogurt works just as well and helps maintain the moisture and tanginess.

What type of walnuts work best for this cake?

Any raw or roasted walnut halves or pieces will do. Just ensure they are fresh so the cake benefits from that rich, nutty flavor and nice crunch.

Is it necessary to soak the dates in coffee?

Soaking the dates in hot coffee not only softens them but also infuses the cake with a subtle richness that enhances the natural sweetness and depth, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?

Yes, pecans or hazelnuts make lovely alternatives, adding their own unique flavor and texture to the cake.

How long will the cake keep in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh for up to 7 days in the fridge, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.

Final Thoughts

This Date and Walnut Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, every bite promises warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this stunning combination of sweet, nutty, and soulful flavors.

Date and Walnut Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need