Description
This Easy Date and Nut Cake is a moist, dense loaf made with naturally sweet dates and crunchy nuts. It’s simple to prepare, full of rich flavor, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a light dessert. No mixer needed!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Add baking soda and pour the boiling water over. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the soaked dates (including water) to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped nuts evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use medjool dates for best texture and sweetness.
- You can reduce the sugar or substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor boost.
- This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg