Description
This Old Fashioned Date Apple and Walnut Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, packed with sweet dates, juicy apples, and crunchy walnuts. The moist cake has the perfect balance of natural sweetness and warming spices, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. With its rich flavor and tender texture, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it the next day as the flavors develop even more!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) salt
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (approx. 120 grams)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (150 grams) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 medium apple (approx. 150 grams), peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) walnuts, chopped
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the dates, grated apple, and walnuts. The batter will be thick.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the topping by mixing together the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and melted butter. Spread the topping over the cooled cake and let it set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds or simply omit them.
- The Old Fashioned Date Apple and Walnut Cake keeps well for a few days, and its flavor improves the next day, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Old Fashioned Date Apple Walnut Cake, Date Apple Walnut Cake, Fall Cake Recipe, Date Cake, Apple Walnut Dessert, Moist Date Cake, Apple Walnut Cake