Description
Classic English Date Loaf is a moist and flavorful cake packed with sweet dates and warm spices. It’s perfect for tea time or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 grams (about 7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) boiling water
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans (100 grams or 1 cup)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with the boiling water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes until they soften.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf tin (approximately 9×5 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the soaked dates (along with any remaining liquid) and, if using, the chopped nuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the loaf and serve it plain or with a spread of butter.
Notes
- For added flavor, soak the dates in a splash of rum or orange juice instead of water.
- The loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to make two loaves.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
Keywords: Classic English Date Loaf, Date Cake, English Dessert