Easy Date Cake Topped With Chopped Walnut

Easy Date Cake with caramel and chopped walnuts on top. It's moist and rich, made to dates which it delivers a toffee-like sweetness. Easy to make!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American, Middle East, North Africa

Servings 10

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Whisk
cooling rack

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup of chopped nuts optional, like walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by preparing the dates. Place the chopped dates in a bowl and sprinkle the baking soda over them. Pour the boiling water over the dates and allow them to soak for approximately 15 minutes. This step softens the dates and allows the baking soda to help break them down, creating a smooth mixture that will blend easily into the cake batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the dates soak, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round or square cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise and achieve a light texture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, whisking together thoroughly. This dry ingredient mixture will ensure that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation. This step-by-step approach helps to maintain the structure of the batter. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake's flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over mix as this will make a very sticky cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time might change based on your oven and the type of pan you're using.

Step 8: Add Dates and Nuts

Stir in the soaked dates along with any remaining liquid from soaking. The dates add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. If you'd like, gently fold in the chopped nuts to enhance texture and flavor.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Once cooled, you can serve the cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, with a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.