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Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

A moist and flavorful loaf cake combining dates, walnuts, and a rich espresso glaze—perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups dates, pitted and chopped Sweet, caramel-like morsels that add moisture.
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee Infuses the cake with a rich and robust essence.
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour Light and fluffy, serving as the backbone of our loaf.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Key leavening agent for a light texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Additional lift for the perfect rise.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg A hint of nutty aroma.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Creamy richness for moisture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Pure sweetness complementing natural sugars in dates.
  • 2 large eggs Binds ingredients for a tender crumb.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Elevates the cake’s flavor.
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts Introduces delightful texture.
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For a silky glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons brewed espresso Enhances coffee flavor in the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A repeat touch for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the chopped dates in hot brewed coffee for about 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, incorporating each fully before adding vanilla extract.
  5. Fold in the dry ingredients, then gently incorporate the soaked date-coffee mixture and walnuts.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Glazing
  1. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing. Consider lightly roasting walnuts for enhanced flavor. Avoid overmixing when combining dry and wet ingredients.