Date & Walnut Cake (No Refined Sugar, Super Moist!)

Indulge in a Healthier Sweet Treat: Date & Walnut Cake

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Date & Walnut Cake is a standout choice for anyone aiming to satisfy their sweet tooth without refined sugars. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s irresistibly moist, making it a delightful addition to any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering, a holiday spread, or simply an afternoon treat with coffee. Having baked this cake on numerous occasions, I can confidently say it never disappoints, and always garners rave reviews from friends and family.

Reasons to Try This Recipe

What makes this Date & Walnut Cake so special? For starters, it’s incredibly simple to prepare and uses just a handful of healthy ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but it’s also quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The natural sweetness of dates replaces refined sugars without compromising on flavor, making it a guilt-free indulgence that even kids will love!

“I made this cake for my daughter’s birthday, and it was a hit! Everyone was surprised it didn’t have any refined sugar. It’s now a family favorite!” – Emily T.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Creating this Date & Walnut Cake is a straightforward process that anyone can master. The recipe is simple yet yields a decadent dessert that packs a punch in flavor and moisture. You’ll quickly learn that with just a few steps, you can transform a handful of healthy ingredients into a delightful cake that fills your home with warmth and an irresistible aroma. Here’s how it all goes down:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan.
2. Soak and mash the dates for natural sweetness.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
4. Bake to perfection, and voila—your cake is ready!

Key Ingredients

Gather these essential items to create your Date & Walnut Cake:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Feel free to experiment—swap out the whole wheat flour for almond flour for a gluten-free option or try different nuts based on your preference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the pitted dates with hot water and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
3. Once softened, mash the dates with a fork until smooth.
4. Stir in the baking soda, eggs, olive oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract with the date mixture.
5. In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour (or almond flour), baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This Date & Walnut Cake is perfectly delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For added flair, top with a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or fresh coffee, making it an excellent choice for brunch or afternoon snacking.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing your Date & Walnut Cake properly ensures it stays moist and flavorful. Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve it for longer, consider slicing it and freezing individual pieces; simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Soak Those Dates: Allowing the dates to soak in hot water softens them and makes them easier to mash, contributing to the overall moisture of the cake.
2. Use Fresh Nuts: Toast your walnuts slightly before adding them for an extra crunch and enhanced flavor.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with your Date & Walnut Cake! Consider adding chocolate chips for a rich touch, or swap in different nuts like pecans or almonds for a unique spin. You could also incorporate spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic twist. For a tropical flair, mix in shredded coconut!

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare this cake?
Preparation and baking time usually total about an hour. You can whip it up quickly in around 15–20 minutes, then let it bake for 30–35 minutes.

2. Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a commercial egg replacer if you want to make it vegan.

3. Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes, if you substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour, it becomes a gluten-free option! Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Now you’re all set to create a delectable Date & Walnut Cake that will impress your taste buds and perhaps your guests too. Dive into this wholesome baking adventure; you won’t regret it!

Date & Walnut Cake

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Indulge in a moist and nutritious Date & Walnut Cake that replaces refined sugars with the natural sweetness of dates. Perfect for family gatherings or afternoon snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 3/4 cup hot water for soaking the dates
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs can substitute with flaxseed meal for vegan option
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour for gluten-free option
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts can use other nuts as desired

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the pitted dates with hot water and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
3. Once softened, mash the dates with a fork until smooth.
4. Stir in the baking soda, eggs, olive oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract with the date mixture.
5. In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour (or almond flour), baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 100mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

For a delightful twist, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or frozen in individual slices for longer preservation.

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