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British Date and Walnut Loaf Cake

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This traditional British Date and Walnut Loaf Cake is moist, rich, and filled with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts. It’s a timeless, comforting treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
  5. Stir in the soaked dates with their liquid.
  6. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  7. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Add raisins or dried apricots for extra sweetness.
  • Replace half of the flour with whole wheat for a denser texture.
  • Sprinkle brown sugar and walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
  • The loaf tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/british-date-and-walnut-loaf-cake/