The Perfect Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe: Nutty & Glazed Magic

Warm, aromatic date coffee loaf cake whispers comfort from the first crumb.

Nutty walnuts add delightful crunch to this decadent treat.

Soft, moist layers promise pure indulgence with every slice.

Espresso glaze transforms an ordinary cake into a sophisticated dessert experience.

Bakery-style perfection awaits you in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Rich, deep flavors merge seamlessly to create a memorable afternoon pleasure.

Brew some extra coffee and savor each delectable bite.

Storage Recommendations for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place in a sealed container or cake dome to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Why use coffee in this date loaf cake?

Coffee enhances the deep, rich flavor of dates and walnuts, creating a more complex and intense taste profile that elevates the entire dessert.

• Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Pecans work wonderfully as an alternative, offering a similar texture and complementary flavor to the cake’s overall taste.

• How do I know if my dates are fresh?

Fresh dates should be plump, shiny, and soft with a rich brown color. They should not be hard, dry, or have visible sugar crystals on the surface.

• Is this cake suitable for make-ahead preparation?

Yes, this date coffee loaf cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.

What Makes Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze a Decadent Dessert

• Brew Bold Flavors: Combine the rich depth of coffee and sweet dates for a taste explosion that wakes up your senses.
• Nail Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea with its moist texture and irresistible coffee-infused profile.
• Master Baker-Level Satisfaction: Achieve professional-looking results with simple steps that make you feel like a seasoned pastry chef, even if you're a beginner.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients mean you can go from mixing bowl to delicious dessert without complex techniques or hard-to-find items.

Ingredients for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Dates: Sweet and chewy fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Coffee: Provides deep flavor and helps soften the dates.
• Butter: Creates a rich and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the cake's flavors.

• Walnuts, Powdered Sugar, Brewed Espresso: Add crunch, sweetness, and rich coffee flavor to the cake and glaze.

How to Bake Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soak the Dates

• Chopped dates
• Strong brewed coffee
• Baking soda

Let this mixture hang out and mingle for 10 minutes, allowing the dates to soften and absorb the coffee goodness.

Step 3: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Blend the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture, creating a luscious batter.

Step 5: Fold in Texture

Gently stir in the soaked date mixture and crunchy walnuts. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Craft the Espresso Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Freshly brewed espresso
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle the espresso glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Step 9: Slice and Savor

Cut into thick slices and serve. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of coffee, dates, and walnuts in every bite!

Expert Tips for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Soak dates in hot coffee to soften and enhance their rich, caramel-like flavor, ensuring a moist and tender cake texture.
• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to create a light, airy base that guarantees a soft, delicate crumb in your loaf cake.
• Fold walnuts gently into the batter to distribute evenly, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the espresso topping from becoming runny and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.
• Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Variations on Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Mocha Chocolate Chip Variation: Replace some walnuts with dark chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich mocha flavor profile.
• Caramel Date Variation: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cake instead of espresso glaze, and sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
• Rum-Soaked Date Variation: Soak dates in dark rum before mixing into the batter, creating a more intense and complex flavor with subtle alcohol undertones.
• Almond Spice Variation: Swap walnuts for toasted almonds and add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the coffee and date flavors.

Pairing Ideas for Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Complement the cake's deep coffee and date flavors with a smooth, frothy cappuccino that echoes the espresso glaze's rich intensity.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a cool, silky scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside each slice to balance the cake's warmth and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: Enhance the cake's sweetness with a caramel macchiato that brings out the nutty walnut and date undertones while providing a complementary coffee profile.
• Enjoy with Dark Chocolate Truffle: Include a high-quality dark chocolate truffle on the side to amplify the cake's complex flavor notes and provide a decadent counterpoint.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze Recipe

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• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich date coffee loaf cake blends warm spices and deep espresso notes for a sophisticated dessert experience. Nutty walnuts and glossy glaze elevate this indulgent treat you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Binding and Leavening Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine chopped dates with hot coffee and baking soda in a small bowl, allowing the mixture to steep and soften for 10 minutes, which helps intensify the date’s natural sweetness.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a light texture for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gently fold into the creamed mixture to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Fold the softened date mixture and crunchy walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure uniform cooking, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
9. While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar with freshly brewed espresso and vanilla extract to create a glossy, rich glaze.
10. Remove cake from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
11. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack and generously drizzle with the espresso glaze while still warm.
12. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving this decadent coffee-infused treat.

Notes

• Select Medjool dates for maximum moisture and sweetness, ensuring a tender, rich cake texture.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Allow date-coffee mixture to sit exactly 10 minutes to soften dates and create a smooth, integrated ingredient base.
• Check cake doneness early by inserting toothpick at 45 minutes to prevent potential over-baking and dryness.
• Experiment with alternative coffee types like cold brew or dark roast for variations in depth and intensity of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg