Try This Dreamy Date Coffee Cake Recipe With Nutty Walnut Crunch

Date coffee cake blends sweet, earthy flavors with rich, complex undertones that revamp ordinary dessert into a memorable experience.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful balance between tender crumb and nutty crunch.

walnuts add unexpected depth and subtle rustic charm to each carefully crafted slice.

Warm spices intermingle with deep coffee notes, creating a sophisticated profile that feels both comforting and indulgent.

The espresso glaze elevates this cake from simple treat to gourmet delight, introducing intense aromatic layers.

Carefully selected ingredients work harmoniously, ensuring each bite delivers maximum sensory pleasure.

Prepare to be surprised by this remarkable dessert that defies traditional expectations.

Why Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze Feels So Rich

• Brew Bold Flavor Combinations: This date coffee cake masterfully blends rich coffee, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts into a single irresistible dessert that tantalizes multiple taste sensations.
• Create Textural Symphony: The cake offers an incredible mix of soft, moist cake interior with crispy walnut edges and a silky smooth espresso glaze, providing a delightful sensory experience in every bite.
• Elevate Everyday Moments: Perfect for afternoon tea, weekend brunches, or casual gatherings, this cake transforms ordinary occasions into special culinary celebrations with its sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.

Everything You Need for Date Coffee Cake with Espresso Glaze

Main Ingredients:

Dates: Sweet, chewy fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, best when soft and plump.

Coffee or Espresso: Rich, aromatic liquid that enhances the cake’s depth of flavor and helps soften the dates.

Walnuts: Crunchy, nutty addition that provides texture and earthy flavor, preferably freshly toasted.

Flour and Spices:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake’s texture, standard baking flour works best.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that complement the coffee and date flavors, ground versions recommended.

Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the cake.

Binding and Sweet Ingredients:

Butter: Creamy fat that creates a tender crumb and rich flavor, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweeteners that add moisture and caramel-like depth, combination creates complex sweetness.

Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, room temperature egg recommended.

Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor and rounds out the cake’s taste profile.

Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a lighter texture.

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with a glossy finish.

Instant Espresso: Concentrated coffee powder for intense flavor in the glaze.

How to Bake Moist and Flavorful Date Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Date Mixture

In a large bowl, combine chopped dates, hot coffee, and baking soda.

Let it soak so the dates soften and absorb the liquid.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Make sure everything is evenly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars.

Mix until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

The batter should look smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Strain the date mixture and save the liquid.

Add the flour mixture and reserved liquid to the butter mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the liquid.

Mix just until the batter is smooth and blended.

Step 6: Fold in Additional Ingredients

Gently fold in the softened dates and toasted walnuts.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

Make sure the parchment covers the bottom and sides, then spray it again.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake at 350°F for 55 to 65 minutes, checking with a toothpick in the center.

It should come out clean when the cake is done.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

Then carefully remove it, peel off the parchment, and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Espresso Glaze

Dissolve instant espresso in hot water.

In a small bowl, whisk it with powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Add more hot water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Sprinkle extra toasted walnuts on top if you like.

Let the glaze set, then slice and enjoy your rich, coffee-scented treat.

Tips for Balancing Sweet, Nutty, and Bold Notes

• Soak Dates Strategically: Steep dates in hot coffee to soften and intensify their rich, caramel-like flavor, ensuring a moist and decadent cake texture.
• Toast Walnuts for Depth: Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty aroma and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Check Cake Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test carefully, inserting it into the cake's center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely dry.
• Line Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with slight overhang to easily remove the delicate cake without breaking or sticking to the pan's sides.
• Glaze at the Right Temperature: Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling espresso glaze, preventing it from becoming too runny and ensuring a beautiful, set finish.

How to Store Date Coffee Cake Without Drying It Out

• Store Leftovers
• Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the cake's texture.
• Freeze for Later
• Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Place individual slices in freezer-safe bags or wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen coffee cake stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat with Care
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh walnuts or a drizzle.

Coffee and Sides That Match This Cake Perfectly

• Boost Coffee Flavors: Pair this rich date coffee cake with a smooth, single-origin Colombian espresso that echoes the cake's deep, roasted notes and enhances its warm spice undertones.
• Creamy Complementary Accompaniment: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of coffee-flavored gelato to amplify the dessert's luxurious texture and intensify its coffee essence.
• Nutty Beverage Match: Complement the toasted walnuts with a robust bourbon or aged whiskey that offers complementary caramel and woody undertones, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony that elevates the cake's complexity.
• Afternoon Tea Perfection: Enjoy with a classic Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes will beautifully contrast the cake's rich, deep flavors and provide a lighter, refreshing counterpoint to the dense, moist dessert.

Flavor Spins for a New Take on Date Coffee Cake

• Chocolate Chunk Companion: Elevate the cake by folding dark chocolate chunks into the batter, creating rich pockets of melted chocolate that complement the espresso and date flavors.
• Nutty Almond Upgrade: Replace walnuts with toasted almonds and add almond extract to enhance the nuttiness, giving the cake a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Rum-Soaked Decadence: Swap hot coffee with dark rum when soaking dates, introducing a warm, spirited undertone that adds depth and complexity to the cake's overall flavor.
• Caramel Swirl Edition: Before baking, layer homemade salted caramel between cake batter sections, creating stunning caramel ribbons that peek through when sliced.

Date Coffee Cake With Walnuts And Espresso Glaze Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Saudi Arabian date coffee cake combines rich, aromatic flavors with Middle Eastern charm. Nutty walnuts and silky espresso glaze elevate this irresistible dessert, inviting you to savor each indulgent bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups chopped dates
• 1.5 cups prepared hot coffee or espresso
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Coffee Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 0.5 teaspoon instant espresso
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Combine chopped dates, hot coffee or espresso, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to steep and soften for 10-15 minutes, creating a rich, moist base.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt until thoroughly integrated.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate a large egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until completely smooth and well-combined.
6. Drain the date mixture, reserving the liquid. Gradually alternate adding the reserved liquid and flour mixture to the butter base, mixing on low speed. Begin and end with the liquid, creating a silky, consistent batter.
7. Gently fold the softened dates and toasted walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
8. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by generously greasing with butter or baking spray. Line with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal, and lightly spray the parchment.
9. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
11. Let the cake rest in the pan for 20 minutes, allowing it to settle and cool slightly.
12. Carefully remove the cake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
13. For the espresso glaze, dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water, stirring until completely smooth.
14. Whisk powdered sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and the prepared espresso together. Adjust the consistency by adding hot water in small increments if needed.
15. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the espresso glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
16. Optional: Sprinkle additional toasted walnuts over the glaze for added texture and visual appeal. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Soak dates in hot coffee to soften and enhance their natural sweetness, creating a rich, moist texture that elevates the cake’s flavor profile.
• Toast walnuts before adding to the batter to release their oils and intensify their nutty, aromatic qualities, providing a delightful crunch.
• Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for maximum depth of flavor, ensuring the coffee notes permeate both the cake and glaze.
• Strain date mixture carefully to control moisture content, preventing a soggy cake while maintaining optimal texture and density.
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking, ensuring a clean, professional-looking presentation.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to achieve a smooth, even coating that sets beautifully and doesn’t run off the sides.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg