Moist Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine starting your day with a slice of warm, homemade date coffee loaf cake with walnuts that combines the deep, robust flavors of fresh coffee with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of walnuts. This date coffee loaf cake with walnuts recipe is a game-changer for busy home bakers seeking an easy yet indulgent treat that elevates afternoon tea or a quick breakfast. Drawing from Chef Lalyta’s expertise, this version promises an irresistibly moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for those cozy moments when you crave something comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers consistent results every time, making it the ultimate go-to for date coffee loaf cake enthusiasts.

The aroma of this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts fills your kitchen with a tantalizing blend of freshly brewed coffee and warm spices, while the texture is a delightful harmony of soft, tender crumbs infused with plump, juicy dates and crunchy walnuts. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors: the richness of the coffee deepens the earthiness of the dates, creating a moist interior that melts in your mouth, contrasted by the satisfying nutty crunch. This isn’t just any loaf cake; it’s a sensory experience that balances sweetness and nuttiness without overwhelming the palate, leaving you craving another slice.

What sets this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts apart on lalytarecipes.com is our commitment to providing a foolproof, tested recipe that’s been refined for maximum success. Inspired by Chef Lalyta’s secret techniques, you’ll discover tips that ensure perfect moisture and flavor every time, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the bake. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredient spotlights and step-by-step instructions to storage solutions and FAQs, empowering you to create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also impresses your family and friends. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly exceptional.

Why This Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The key to this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts’ unparalleled moisture lies in soaking the dates directly in strong brewed coffee. This technique infuses the fruit with deep, coffee-rich flavors and releases their natural sugars, creating a loaf that’s extraordinarily tender and flavorful—far superior to standard recipes that simply mix in dry dates. By allowing the dates to plump up, we achieve a perfect balance that keeps the cake from drying out, making every slice melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from the interaction between the soaked dates and the baking soda in the batter. As the dates release moisture and acidity during baking, they activate the baking soda more effectively, resulting in a lofty, springy crumb with a golden crust. This ensures your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts has that ideal density—moist on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside—without any risk of a heavy or gummy result.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, even for novice bakers. We’ve fine-tuned measurements and steps to account for common variables like altitude or ingredient variations, making your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts reliable and stress-free. Expect consistent results that turn out perfectly every time, positioning this as the best date coffee loaf cake recipe you’ll find online.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For chopped dates, these little gems are the heart of this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture that keeps the loaf incredibly moist. Use fresh, plump Medjool dates for the best results, as they hold up well when soaked and enhance the overall flavor profile. Quality matters here because older or dried-out dates can make the cake dense; if substituting, try dried figs for a similar sweetness, but adjust soaking time to maintain that signature moisture.

Strong brewed coffee is the flavor backbone of this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, adding depth and a subtle bitterness that complements the dates’ sweetness. Opt for freshly brewed, high-quality coffee beans to ensure a robust taste without any bitterness; instant coffee won’t cut it, as it lacks intensity. If you’re looking for a substitution, strong black tea can mimic the effect, but it will alter the coffee-forward essence, so use it only if caffeine is a concern.

Chopped walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty richness to this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, balancing the softness of the dates and coffee. Choose fresh, unsalted walnuts for optimal flavor and texture, as rancid ones can ruin the cake’s taste. For substitutions, pecans offer a similar crunch with a buttery note, or almonds for a milder option, ensuring you fold them in gently to preserve their integrity in the batter.

All-purpose flour forms the structure of this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, providing a light and airy base without weighing it down. Always use unbleached, high-quality flour for better gluten development, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. If you’re gluten-free, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but add a bit of xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity and prevent a gritty texture.

Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness and moisture to this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, enhancing the coffee’s depth with its molasses notes. Select dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, as light varieties can make the cake less indulgent. Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, but note it might slightly change the color and moisture level of your finished loaf.

Unsalted butter is essential for the creamy base in this date coffee loaf cake with walnuts, contributing to its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Always use softened, high-fat butter for even creaming; substitutes like vegan butter work well for dairy-free versions, but ensure it’s at room temperature to avoid a greasy batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This step is crucial for even cooking and preventing sticking.

Pro Tip: Use a baking spray with flour for a non-stick finish, as it saves time and ensures your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts slides out perfectly.

Step 2: Soak the Chopped Dates

In a bowl, soak the 1 cup of chopped dates in 1 cup of hot, strong brewed coffee for 15 minutes to soften them and infuse flavor.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t use cold coffee, as it won’t soften the dates properly; always use hot coffee to maximize moisture absorption and prevent a tough texture in your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined, creating a uniform base for your batter.

Pro Tip: Sift the dry ingredients to break up any lumps, which helps achieve a smoother batter and a lighter date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-creaming can incorporate too much air, leading to a cake that rises unevenly; stop once the mixture is pale and smooth for the best results in your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added aroma.

Pro Tip: Let eggs come to room temperature for easier blending and a more emulsified batter, enhancing the moisture in your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the date-coffee mixture, and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t dump all ingredients at once; alternating helps maintain the batter’s consistency and prevents gluten development that could make your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts tough.

Step 7: Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.

Pro Tip: Lightly toast the walnuts first for enhanced flavor, which adds a nutty depth to your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, checking after 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Opening the oven door too early can cause the cake to sink; wait until the last 10 minutes for the best rise in your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.

Pro Tip: Place the rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips, ensuring your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts cools evenly and stays moist.

Serving & Presentation

To present your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts impressively, slice it thickly and arrange on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homemade feel. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped walnuts for added crunch and visual appeal. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, enhancing its flavors, and complements a light brunch spread with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance the richness.

For creative plating, serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert. As a versatile date coffee loaf cake recipe, it shines alongside main courses like a simple salad or cheese platter for an afternoon gathering, making it ideal for holidays or casual get-togethers where its moist texture and nutty notes steal the show.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the date mixture by soaking the chopped dates in coffee up to 3 days in advance; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix the dry ingredients the night before and keep them covered at room temperature, so you can assemble and bake fresh when needed, saving time for your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months, ensuring you maintain that signature moist texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original warmth and flavor, reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to prevent drying out, keeping your date coffee loaf cake with walnuts as delicious as the day it was baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x

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Description

A delicious moist loaf cake combining dates, coffee, and walnuts for a rich flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, soak the chopped dates in the hot coffee for 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the date-coffee mixture.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use fresh dates and walnuts. This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g