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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients and preheat oven to 350F (175C), thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the softened date mixture to create a balanced, cohesive batter.
- Gently fold walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly to provide texture and nutty flavor throughout the cake.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and ensuring no air pockets remain.
- 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.
- While the cake bakes, whisk espresso with powdered sugar to create a glossy, rich glaze with intense coffee notes.
- 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