Ingredients
1.5 cups chopped Medjool dates (pitted)
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.75 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
For the Glaze: 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan or bundt pan.
Step 2: Place chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl; pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the date mixture (including the soaking water).
Step 7: Fold in the toasted walnuts gently until just combined.
Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: While the cake bakes, combine glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes. Pour over the warm cake.
Notes
Ensure dates are finely chopped for the best texture. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar in the glaze by half.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT50M
- Category: Baked Goods
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: date cake, walnut cake, orange glaze, spiced cake, holiday dessert
