Spiced Date and Walnut Cake

Middle Eastern · Autumn · 90 min · Serves 8 · By Lesapor Test Kitchen

This easy, aromatic cake brings the warm flavors of the Middle East to your autumn table. With dates and walnuts, it offers a delightful sweetness and nutty texture that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea. This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers looking to enjoy a slow weekend bake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let sit for 15 minutes until the dates soften.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gently stir in the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt until just combined.
5. Fold the soaked dates with their liquid and the chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.