Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze

Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze

by

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze. The combination of dates, coffee, and warm spices creates a moist, flavorful cake, while the espresso glaze adds a delightful finishing touch. Perfect for dessert or a special afternoon treat, this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Date Coffee Cake

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

For the Coffee Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ½ cup roughly cracked roasted chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup of walnuts, toasted and coarsely crushed (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dates

  1. Place the chopped dates in a bowl.
  2. Pour the prepared hot coffee or espresso over the dates.
  3. Stir in the baking soda, which will help soften the dates.
  4. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the dates to absorb the coffee and become tender.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed.

Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a light and tender cake.

Step 4: Adding the Wet Ingredients

  1. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.
  2. Gradually add the date and coffee mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just blended. Avoid overmixing to prevent a denser cake.
  2. Carefully fold in the toasted walnuts.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or by lining it with parchment paper.
  3. Spoon the mixture carefully and evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 7: Preparing the Coffee Glaze

  1. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso in the hot water.
  3. In a larger bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the prepared espresso mixture until smooth and well combined.

Step 8: Glazing the Cake

  1. Once the cake has finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the coffee glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  4. Sprinkle with additional toasted walnuts if desired.

Step 9: Serving

  1. Cut the cake into squares and serve.
  2. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert or afternoon treat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 33g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Why You’ll Love This Date Coffee Cake

This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors. The moist, tender crumb from the dates and the warm spices create a comforting and delicious treat, while the espresso glaze adds a touch of sophistication.

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