Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze

Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze: A Rich and Cozy Treat

This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze is a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. The sweetness of the dates, the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the crunch of toasted walnuts come together beautifully in this moist cake. To top it all off, a luxurious espresso glaze adds a delightful coffee kick that perfectly complements the richness of the cake. This is the ultimate coffee cake to serve with your favorite cup of joe or as a cozy treat for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in Flavor: The combination of sweet dates, warm spices, and toasted walnuts gives this coffee cake a complex, layered flavor profile.
• Perfect for Coffee Lovers: With both coffee-soaked dates and a bold espresso glaze, this cake is a dream come true for coffee enthusiasts.
• Moist and Tender: Soaking the dates in hot coffee keeps the cake extra moist and tender, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

For the Date Coffee Cake:

• 2 ½ cups chopped dates
• 1 ½ cups prepared hot coffee or espresso
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

For the Espresso Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons hot water
• ½ teaspoon instant espresso
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the edges for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper as well.

2. Prepare the Date Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, hot coffee or espresso, and baking soda. Stir to combine and set aside to soak. The hot coffee helps soften the dates, making them beautifully tender and infusing them with a rich coffee flavor.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture will add structure to the cake and bring warmth from the spices.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes and will form the base of your cake batter.

5. Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Strain the date mixture, reserving the liquid. Alternately add the reserved date liquid and the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the liquid. Mix just until smooth after each addition. This method ensures a well-balanced batter that remains tender.

7. Fold in Dates and Walnuts

Gently fold in the soaked dates and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The dates will add natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts provide a pleasant crunch.

8. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake the cake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Make the Espresso Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. Combine the hot water with the instant espresso and stir until fully dissolved. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the prepared espresso. Adjust the consistency by adding ½ teaspoon of hot water at a time, if needed.

10. Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled coffee cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. For added texture and flavor, scatter additional toasted walnuts on top, if desired. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Easy Release: Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the cake without breaking.
• Blending Flavors: Allowing the dates to soak in hot coffee softens them and intensifies the coffee flavor throughout the cake.
• Custom Glaze: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more water.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 350 kcal per slice

Final Thoughts

This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze is a perfect treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. The dates keep the cake wonderfully moist, while the espresso glaze adds an irresistible coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Enjoy it as a cozy dessert or a sweet addition to your morning coffee break.

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