Introduction
Indulging in a moist and flavorful cake is one of life’s simple pleasures. The dates and walnut cake stands out as a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the rich texture of walnuts. This cake is not only easy to make but also offers a nutritious twist to traditional baking. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating healthy ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Dates – 1 cup, chopped
Walnuts – 1 cup, roughly chopped
All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
Sugar – ¾ cup
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Baking soda – ½ tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Eggs – 2, large
Vegetable oil – ½ cup
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Milk – ½ cup
Prep Time
Preparation of this delightful cake takes about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing you to quickly assemble the ingredients and get started on the baking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for the dates and walnut cake is approximately 45 to 50 minutes. In total, including prep, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes on this delicious treat. This recipe yields one 9-inch round cake, enough to serve around 8 to 10 people, making it a great choice for gatherings or family celebrations.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dates and walnuts with the melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
Add Sugar and Eggs
In the same bowl, add brown sugar and eggs. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined.
Add Vanilla Extract
Incorporate the vanilla extract into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring it is evenly spread.
Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave them out entirely if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Vegan Option
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use a plant-based butter alternative.