Let me tell you about my latest obsession: hazelnut date cake! This delightful treat is a beautiful harmony of rich, nutty flavors from the hazelnuts and the sweet, caramel-like goodness of dates. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon spent baking with my grandmother. The smell of toasting hazelnuts always takes me back to her kitchen, filled with laughter and warmth. Trust me, there’s something magical when you blend these two ingredients together! It’s not just delicious; it feels like a hug in cake form. Perfect for any occasion, or even just as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Hazelnut Date Cake
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, I like to prepare my cake pan. Grease it well to ensure our hazelnut date cake slides right out when it’s done. You can use butter or a non-stick spray—whatever you have on hand!
Prepare the Cake Batter
Now onto the fun part! Grab your food processor and toss in the hazelnuts. Blend them until they’re finely ground. This is where the magic begins! Next, add the pitted dates, flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, baking powder, and salt into the mix. Blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy batter. You want it to be well combined, so don’t rush this step! The texture should be luscious and inviting, almost like a thick smoothie. If it’s too thick, a splash of water can help, but usually, it should come together beautifully.
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into that greased cake pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, you’ll be counting down the minutes! To check for doneness, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s perfect! When it’s done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hard part—waiting to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy days!
- Rich hazelnut flavor paired with the natural sweetness of dates.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone!
- Deliciously moist and satisfying, it’s perfect for any time of day.
Tips for Success
To make sure your hazelnut date cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my go-to tips! First, use fresh dates for the best flavor—if they’re a bit dry, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes can help soften them up. When blending your hazelnuts, don’t over-process them into a paste. You want them finely chopped, not liquefied! Also, make sure your butter is softened—this helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. If you’re in a humid environment, consider adding a touch more flour, as moisture can affect the batter consistency. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so checking a few minutes early is a great idea. These little adjustments can make a big difference in your cake’s texture and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your hazelnut date cake, I love to keep it simple yet delicious! A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a lovely lightness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavors. You could also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries, to add a pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce never hurts either! Enjoy it any way you like—it’s sure to impress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your hazelnut date cake is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and moist for up to 3 days on your countertop. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice it first, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then pop them into a freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months—perfect for those unexpected cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you prefer it warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might dry out! Enjoy that cozy, nutty goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional content of a slice of hazelnut date cake! Each serving is approximately 220 calories, with 10g of fat (including 5g of saturated fat) and 4g of protein. You’ll also find around 30g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, along with 12g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the hazelnuts?
If you don’t have hazelnuts on hand, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or almonds! Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.
What if I can’t find pitted dates?
No worries! You can use dried figs or prunes as a substitute. They’ll add their own unique sweetness and flavor to the cake.
How should I store leftovers?
Store your hazelnut date cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the pieces as mentioned earlier.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm and tastes just as good!
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Yes! This cake is a hit with kids and adults alike. The natural sweetness from the dates makes it a great treat for little ones, too!
Hazelnut Date Cake: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cake made with hazelnuts and dates.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a cake pan.
- In a food processor, blend hazelnuts until fine.
- Add dates, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hazelnut date cake