Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about the smell of warm spices and sweet treats wafting through the house, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorite things to bake during this festive season is my Christmas Date and Walnut Cake. Trust me, this cake is a showstopper! The combination of rich, caramel-like dates and crunchy walnuts creates a texture that’s simply divine. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone went crazy for it! It’s perfect for dessert after a big holiday meal or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea. So, if you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a deliciously moist cake that’s packed with flavor, you’re in the right place! Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Gather up these simple yet delightful ingredients to make your Christmas Date and Walnut Cake. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, festive flavor!
- 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start baking. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare the Christmas Date and Walnut Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to do this step early so that your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it up nicely with some butter, then sprinkle a bit of flour to coat it. This will ensure your cake comes out perfectly without sticking. Trust me, no one wants a cake disaster on Christmas!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together until they’re well combined—this helps to aerate the flour and gives your cake a lovely light texture. Just make sure you don’t see any lumps; we want everything nice and smooth!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now it’s time to cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Using either a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and has a slight sheen. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Don’t forget to pour in the vanilla extract too! This is where the flavor really starts to come alive! Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that wonderful fluffy texture! Just mix until you see no more dry flour—it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
Fold in Dates and Walnuts
Here comes the best part! Gently fold in the chopped dates and walnuts. This step is crucial because we want them evenly distributed throughout the batter. You can just imagine those sweet bursts of flavor and crunchy bits in every slice!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just don’t forget to check around the 30-minute mark, because no one wants a dry cake!
Cooling and Serving
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set perfectly! Once it’s completely cool, feel free to top it with a lovely cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it up, and watch everyone swoon over this festive delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The rich flavor of dates combined with crunchy walnuts creates a delightful taste experience.
- This cake is wonderfully moist and stays fresh for days, so you can enjoy it longer.
- It’s a fantastic centerpiece for your Christmas dessert table—everyone loves it!
- Perfect for gifting; wrap it up nicely and share the holiday joy with friends and family.
- You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for festive gatherings or cozy family nights!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Date and Walnut Cake truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps them blend together beautifully and ensures a smooth batter. Also, don’t skip the step of greasing and flouring your cake pan; it makes a world of difference in how the cake comes out. When it comes to checking for doneness, a toothpick should come out clean but not dry. Remember, every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. And finally, let your cake cool completely before serving or frosting it; this way, you’ll get the best texture and flavor. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each slice of the delicious Christmas Date and Walnut Cake. Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
With this cake, you’re getting a wonderful mix of sweetness and nutrition, thanks to the wholesome dates and walnuts. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ingredients in the cake?
Absolutely! This cake is quite forgiving when it comes to substitutions. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can leave out the walnuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for that extra crunch. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar, but it will change the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based butter alternative and eggs can be replaced with flax eggs or applesauce if you’re vegan. Just remember, each substitution may alter the final taste and texture a bit, but it’s all about making the recipe work for you!
How can I store the leftover cake?
Storing your leftover Christmas Date and Walnut Cake is super simple! Just place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll keep well at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you live in a warmer climate or want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I freeze the Christmas Date and Walnut Cake?
You can definitely freeze this delightful cake! To do so, make sure it’s completely cooled first. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can serve it as is or warm it up slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments! A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a lovely creaminess that complements the rich flavors of the cake. You could also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. And if you want to get a bit festive, how about a side of spiced apple compote? It adds a nice contrast and elevates your dessert experience!
Is this cake suitable for gifting?
Oh, absolutely! The Christmas Date and Walnut Cake makes a fantastic gift! Its rich flavors and beautiful texture are sure to impress anyone who receives it. Just wrap it up nicely in some festive packaging or a decorative tin. You could even add a little note with serving suggestions or a personal message. It’s a lovely way to share the holiday spirit and spread some joy with friends and family. Trust me, they’ll appreciate this delicious homemade treat!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on baking, you can visit BBC Good Food for expert advice.
And if you’re curious about the health benefits of walnuts, check out Healthline for more information.
Print
Christmas Date and Walnut Cake: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and festive cake made with dates and walnuts, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped dates and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Optionally, top with cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Date and Walnut Cake, holiday dessert, festive cake