This Date & Walnut Tea Cake is a wonderful treat that’s moist and sweet. The delightful flavors of dates and crunchy walnuts make each bite a joy!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. You just mix the ingredients and bake! Perfect for an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. You’re going to enjoy it! ☕️🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dates: Medjool dates are the sweetest and most flavorful choice for this cake. If they’re not available, you can use deglet noor dates, which are drier but still work well. Just make sure they’re pitted!
Walnuts: Walnuts give a nice crunch, but if you have allergies or prefer something different, pecans or almonds are great substitutes. Chopped hazelnuts add a unique twist too!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or vegan butter. Just remember, it might slightly change the flavor!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. You can substitute with granulated sugar, but for a deeper flavor, a mix of white and brown sugars works well.
How to Get the Perfect Texture in Your Cake?
Achieving the right texture is key to a great Date & Walnut Tea Cake. Here are some tips to ensure it’s moist and fluffy:
- Soaking the dates in boiling water softens them and adds moisture. Don’t skip this step!
- When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure to beat them until they’re light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter cake.
- Be gentle when mixing in the dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check with a toothpick after 50 minutes. The cake is done when it comes out clean.
Delicious Date & Walnut Tea Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) walnuts, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful tea cake takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 50-60 minutes of baking. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. But don’t worry, the waiting will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper so the tea cake will easily come out after baking.
2. Soak the Dates:
In a bowl, combine your chopped dates with boiling water and add the baking soda. Stir it and let this mixture soak for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial, as the hot water softens the dates and makes the cake moist.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which contributes to a softer cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, beat in the eggs and then add in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and helps to aerate the flour for a lighter texture.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix; just combine until no dry flour is visible.
7. Add Dates and Walnuts:
Gently fold in the soaked dates along with their soaking liquid and the chopped walnuts. Make sure everything is mixed evenly, but don’t stir too much!
8. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle a few extra walnut pieces on top to make it look extra tasty!
9. Bake:
Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the tea cake and serve it alongside your favorite tea or coffee.
Enjoy your homemade Date & Walnut Tea Cake, perfect for elevating any tea time experience! Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor. Just chop them roughly to ensure they blend well into the cake.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter.
What Should I Serve with the Tea Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!