Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze

Moist, flavorful, and deeply aromatic, this Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze is everything you love in a cozy, café-style treat. Sweet dates add natural richness, walnuts bring a satisfying crunch, and the bold espresso glaze ties it all together for the perfect morning or afternoon bite. Whether served at brunch, with tea, or as a not-too-sweet dessert, this cake is bound to become a go-to favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Naturally Sweet – Chopped dates melt into the batter for an ultra-tender texture.
Crunchy Nut Topping – Toasty walnuts add contrast to every bite.
Espresso Glaze – Rich and aromatic, it’s the finishing touch that takes this cake over the top.
Perfect with Coffee – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Walnut Topping:

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Espresso Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1½ tbsp brewed espresso (cooled)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tsp milk (optional, for thinning)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Saucepan or kettle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Dates
In a bowl, combine chopped dates and boiling water.
Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
This softens the dates and creates a rich, sweet base for the cake.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the date mixture.
Stir just until combined.

Step 4: Add the Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Espresso Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cooled espresso, and vanilla.
If needed, add milk a few drops at a time until the glaze reaches a drizzle consistency.
Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes.
Slice and serve with your favorite hot drink or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
Soak the Dates – This step ensures the dates melt into the batter for maximum moistness.
Don’t Overmix – Mix gently for a tender, soft crumb.
Toast the Walnuts – For deeper flavor, toast them lightly before using.
Use Real Espresso – Freshly brewed espresso gives the glaze bold flavor.
Cool Before Glazing – A cool cake ensures the glaze sits perfectly on top.

Serving Suggestions
Serve With:

• Hot brewed coffee or chai
• A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche
• A fresh fruit salad

Perfect For:

• Brunch tables
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday gatherings
• Hostess gifts

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days if needed, bringing to room temp before serving.

Freezing:
Freeze unglazed or glazed cake (after glaze is fully set) for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature overnight.

Reheating:
Microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds to warm slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.

2. What if I don’t have espresso?
Use strong brewed coffee or 1 tsp instant espresso dissolved in 1½ tbsp hot water.

3. Can I substitute other nuts?
Absolutely—pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives.

4. Do I need to peel the dates?
Nope! Just remove the pits and chop them finely.

5. Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes—bake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan for 45–50 minutes, checking for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze delivers cozy flavor and an irresistible crumb that’s hard to beat. With its rich, naturally sweet base and bold coffee glaze, it’s a comforting, everyday kind of cake you’ll want to make often—and share with friends (if there’s any left!).

So go ahead, slice into this sweet and nutty treat, and let your coffee breaks feel a little more special.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 315 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Sodium: 210mg

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