Simple Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe: Walnut & Espresso Bliss

A date coffee loaf cake dancing with walnuts promises pure culinary magic for lazy weekend mornings.

Fragrant aromas will sweep through your kitchen, inviting comfort and warmth.

Smooth espresso glaze adds a decadent twist to this classic treat.

Nutty walnuts bring delightful crunch and unexpected texture to each tender slice.

Sweet dried dates melt into soft crumb, creating incredible depth of flavor.

Your kitchen will feel like a cozy sanctuary with this simple yet impressive dessert.

One bite transports you to a peaceful moment of pure indulgence.

What Makes Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Delightful

• Savor Rich Flavor Complexity: Layers of coffee-soaked dates, toasted walnuts, and deep espresso glaze create an incredible taste experience that dances across your palate.
• Craft with Minimal Effort: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Perfect for Cozy Gatherings: An ideal companion for afternoon tea, weekend brunches, or casual dessert moments that call for something special without overwhelming complexity.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adjusting nut quantities or experimenting with different coffee strengths to match individual preferences.

Ingredients for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Dates: Sweet and chewy fruit that adds natural moisture and rich flavor to the cake.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and a nutty depth to the loaf cake.
• Coffee: Bold liquid that enhances the overall flavor profile and helps soften the dates.

• Flour: Essential base ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Subtle seasoning that balances and enhances the other flavors.

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that creates a rich and tender cake texture.
• Eggs, Vanilla: Binding agents that add moisture and depth of flavor.
• Espresso, Powdered Sugar: Smooth and intense glaze that provides a beautiful finish and extra coffee kick.

How to Prepare Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Set your oven to 350F. Generously coat a loaf pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cake removal later.

Step 2: Soften Date Mixture

• Chopped dates
• Brewed coffee
• Baking soda

Let the mixture sit and absorb flavors for 15 minutes. This helps create a moist, rich texture in the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes smooth and well integrated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Gently fold in chopped walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 6: Create Espresso Glaze

Whisk espresso and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. The glaze should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly. Drizzle the espresso glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Slice and serve this luxurious coffee-infused treat.

Expert Tips for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Soak dates in hot coffee to soften and intensify their natural sweetness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Chop walnuts coarsely to ensure even distribution and provide delightful texture throughout the cake.
• Cool the cake completely before adding glaze to prevent it from becoming runny and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the cake.
• Use freshly brewed espresso for the glaze to guarantee a rich, robust coffee taste that complements the cake's sweetness.

Flavorful Variations for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Chocolate Mocha Upgrade: Replace some flour with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, intense chocolate coffee flavor.
• Nutty Almond Variation: Swap walnuts for sliced almonds and add almond extract to complement the coffee essence.
• Caramel Coffee Infusion: Drizzle caramel sauce between cake layers and mix caramel into the espresso glaze for a sweet, deep flavor profile.
• Spiced Chai Coffee Blend: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger into the batter for a warm, aromatic coffee cake experience.

Pairing Ideas for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Enhance Espresso Flavor Pairing: Serve alongside a freshly brewed double shot of dark roast espresso to amplify the coffee notes in the cake, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Bold Whiskey Complement: Pair with a smooth bourbon or Irish whiskey to add depth and warmth, highlighting the rich coffee and date undertones of the dessert.
• Nutty Cheese Contrast: Offer a small plate of aged gouda or sharp cheddar cheese to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a savory counterpoint to the espresso glaze.
• Creamy Accompaniment: Dollop vanilla bean whipped cream on the side to soften the intense coffee flavor and add a luxurious, silky texture to each bite.

Storage Advice for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Store the date coffee loaf cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300F, place cake on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Slice the cake and microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds to restore softness and bring out the rich coffee and date flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• What makes dates special in this recipe?

Dates add natural sweetness, moisture, and a caramel-like flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste and texture while providing extra depth.

• Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Yes, you can easily replace walnuts with pecans or almonds without significantly changing the cake’s structure or flavor profile.

• Is the espresso glaze necessary for the recipe?

While optional, the espresso glaze adds an intense coffee flavor and creates a beautiful, glossy finish that complements the cake’s rich taste.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is ready.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 70-80 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Date coffee loaf cake blends rich, earthy flavors into a delightful dessert that sings with warmth and comfort. Espresso-glazed walnuts crown this moist cake, inviting sweet moments of pure indulgence that make memories linger.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients and preheat oven to 350F (175C), thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine chopped dates with hot coffee and baking soda, allowing the mixture to steep and soften for 15 minutes, which helps intensify the date flavor.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate eggs and vanilla, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the softened date mixture to create a balanced, cohesive batter.
6. Gently fold walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly to provide texture and nutty flavor throughout the cake.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and ensuring no air pockets remain.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
9. While the cake bakes, whisk espresso with powdered sugar to create a glossy, rich glaze with intense coffee notes.
10. Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool slightly, then drizzle the espresso glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Notes

• Use very ripe, soft dates for maximum natural sweetness and easier blending into the batter.
• Soak dates in hot coffee beforehand to enhance their moisture and deepen the coffee flavor profile.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty, rich taste and bring out more complex flavors.
• Adjust espresso glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thicker coating or more espresso for a thinner drizzle.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg