Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Recipe

Quick Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe with Walnuts & Espresso Glaze

Crafting a delectable date coffee loaf cake with walnuts brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Aromas of freshly brewed espresso will swirl through your home, promising something extraordinary.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly with crunchy walnut pieces.

Deep caramel notes from dates complement the robust coffee undertones.

Warm spices dance alongside rich ingredients, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Smooth espresso glaze adds a decadent finishing touch that makes you crave each delightful slice.

Bake this stunning cake and savor every incredible moment.

Essential Ingredients For Date Coffee Loaf

Primary Ingredients:
  • Dates: Sweet, chewy fruits that add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Flour: The essential base that provides structure to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
Nuts and Spices:
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the cake's depth of flavor.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Coffee, Espresso: Provides moisture and intensifies the cake's rich flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic sweetness to the cake.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cake rise and create a light texture.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Brewed Espresso: Combine to create a smooth, rich coffee-flavored glaze.

Step-By-Step Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Generously grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Soften Dates with Coffee

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped dates with hot coffee.

Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the dates to become wonderfully tender and absorb the rich coffee flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

Mix gently until just combined.

Stir in the softened coffee-soaked dates and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 60-70 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create Espresso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Brewed espresso
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled cake.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve and enjoy the rich, coffee-infused treat!

Tips For Perfect Date Coffee Loaf Cake

  • Soak chopped dates in hot coffee for 10-15 minutes to create a rich, moist texture that infuses deep flavor throughout the cake.
  • Mix flour ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a tough, dry loaf.
  • Fold walnuts gently into the batter to ensure even spread and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Whisk espresso glaze until completely smooth to achieve a silky, glossy finish that complements the cake's dense texture.
  • Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center; it should come out clean with minimal crumbs when the loaf is perfectly baked.

Flavor Variations For Date Coffee Loaf

  • Gluten-Free Date Walnut Loaf: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegan Coffee Date Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk for liquid component.
  • Low-Sugar Date Walnut Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Espresso Date Loaf: Replace butter with olive oil or vegetable oil, use non-dairy milk, and keep original coffee and date elements intact.

Suggested Pairings For Date Coffee Loaf Cake

  • Coffee Companion Delights: Pair this date coffee loaf cake with a steaming cup of fresh espresso or cappuccino for an enhanced flavor experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve slices alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend breakfast gathering that will impress guests.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Slice the cake into elegant thin pieces and arrange on a beautiful platter with soft cheeses, dried fruits, and additional chopped walnuts for a sophisticated afternoon tea presentation.
  • Dessert Enhancement: Top individual cake slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert and add a creamy contrast to the rich, dense cake texture.

Storage Recommendations For Date Coffee Loaf

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevents moisture loss and maintains cake's softness.
  • Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Preserves texture and flavor perfectly.
  • Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ideal for short-term storage without compromising taste or quality.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and enhance flavors.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to soak dates in hot coffee?

Soaking dates in hot coffee helps soften them and infuse the cake with a rich, deep coffee flavor. This technique ensures the dates are tender and distribute evenly throughout the cake.

  • Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! You can use pecans or almonds as alternatives. Each nut will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the cake, so choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Why Date Coffee Loaf Cake Is Special

  • Savor Cozy Comfort: This date coffee loaf cake wraps you in warm, comforting flavors that feel like a hug from your favorite coffee shop.
  • Master Easy Baking: Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients that come together without stress.
  • Wow Guests Instantly: The rich espresso glaze and studded walnuts transform an ordinary cake into a gourmet dessert that looks professionally made.
  • Customize with Creativity: Swap walnuts for pecans or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
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Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Recipe

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible Date Coffee Loaf Cake blends robust espresso notes with sweet caramel-like dates and crunchy walnuts. Drizzled with a glossy espresso glaze, this cake delivers deep, complex flavors that invite you to savor each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) dates (pitted and chopped)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot brewed coffee
  • 1 cup (125 grams) chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brewed espresso (strong coffee)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour. Soak chopped dates in hot coffee for 10-15 minutes to soften and enhance flavor.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate mixing bowl.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, avoiding overmixing. Integrate coffee-soaked dates and chopped walnuts into the batter.
  5. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  6. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Craft the espresso glaze by whisking powdered sugar with brewed espresso and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  8. Once cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle the espresso glaze over the top. Permit glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Soak dates in hot coffee to enhance their moisture and infuse deep, rich flavor into the cake batter.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to the loaf.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter integration and more even cake texture.
  • Adjust espresso glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thicker drizzle or more espresso for thinner glaze.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 294 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 181 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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