The Perfect Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Brewing a delightful date coffee loaf cake transforms ordinary afternoons into sweet, aromatic moments of pure bliss.

Rich coffee notes dance through every crumb, creating a sophisticated dessert that surprises and delights.

Soft dates melt into the tender cake, adding natural sweetness and depth.

Warm spices whisper hints of comfort, making each slice feel like a personal indulgence.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a sophisticated twist on classic baking.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for midday breaks or elegant gatherings.

One bite promises to transport you to a cozy café in a sunlit kitchen.

Grab a slice and let the magic of this irresistible loaf sweep you into culinary happiness.

What to Love in Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Espresso Glaze

• Elevate Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a stunning coffee-infused dessert with minimal technical expertise.
• Indulge in Rich Flavor Combinations: Packed with deep coffee notes, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts, this loaf delivers a complex taste profile that transforms an ordinary cake into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Quick and Convenient Preparation: Requiring just basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, this recipe allows home bakers to whip up a gourmet-style dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or needing specialized equipment.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions from afternoon tea to potluck gatherings, this loaf cake impresses with its sophisticated flavor while remaining comfortingly homemade and approachable.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake Ingredients

• Dates: Soft, sweet fruits that add moisture to the cake.
• Hot Brewed Coffee: Enhances date flavor and provides depth.
• Butter: Provides richness and smooth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness.
• Eggs: Binding agent for cake structure.
• Vanilla: Gives warm, classic flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cake's structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice.

• Walnuts, Chopped Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar, Espresso, Vanilla: Creates rich, glossy glaze.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnut Glaze Steps

Step 1: Prepare Brewing Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Date Coffee Soak

Pour hot brewed coffee over chopped dates in a bowl. Allow the dates to soften and absorb the coffee for 10 minutes, creating a rich, moist base for the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process helps create a tender cake texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed to distribute leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough cake.

Step 7: Fold in Delicious Add-ins

Fold in the softened coffee-soaked dates (including the liquid) and chopped walnuts. This step ensures even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the cake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 9: Create Espresso Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly brewed espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Finish and Garnish

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the espresso glaze over the top. Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Cake Tips That Bring Date, Coffee, and Walnut Together

• Boost Date Softness: Extend the coffee soaking time for dates to 15-20 minutes to create an ultra-moist and intensely flavored cake base.
• Enhance Nut Flavor: Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the batter, releasing their rich, nutty essence and adding depth to every bite.
• Perfect Moisture Control: Check cake doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 45 minutes, ensuring the loaf remains tender and doesn't dry out during baking.
• Glaze Application Trick: Let the cake cool completely before drizzling espresso glaze to prevent runny, thin coverage and achieve a beautiful, smooth finish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Store Coffee Loaf Cake with Rich Espresso Glaze

• Store the date coffee loaf cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Slice the cake before freezing and place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Wrap each slice separately to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container. Ensure the space is cool and dry to prevent spoiling.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and bring out the rich coffee and date flavors.

Sweet Matches for Date Coffee Loaf Cake

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Smooth, frothy cappuccino complements the cake's deep coffee notes, creating a harmonious blend of espresso flavors and enhancing the dessert's rich texture.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cold, velvety vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cake, balancing the dense walnut and date profile with its cool sweetness.
• Match with Aged Tawny Port: Elegant Portuguese port wine offers caramel and nutty undertones that beautifully echo the cake's complex flavor profile, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.
• Accompany with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream: Dollop of sweet-salty whipped cream adds a luxurious layer of indulgence, cutting through the cake's richness and introducing a playful taste dimension.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake Styles

• Gluten-Free Coffee Date Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich, moist texture.
• Vegan Coffee Date Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk to transform this classic recipe into a completely dairy-free and egg-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Date Walnut Cake: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake's deep, complex flavor profile for health-conscious bakers.
• Keto-Adapted Coffee Cake: Replace traditional flour with almond flour, use erythritol as a sweetener, and incorporate additional nuts to create a low-carb, high-fat version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso for the glaze?

Yes, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water to create the same intense coffee flavor for the glaze.

• Are dates necessary for this recipe?

Dates are crucial for adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. If unavailable, you can substitute with prunes or raisins, but the flavor profile will slightly change.

• How do I know if the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cake’s moisture.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding if your blend doesn’t already include it.

Date Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent date coffee loaf cake brings rich Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen, blending sweet dates with bold espresso notes. Moist crumb and aromatic spices invite you to savor each delectable slice of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar

Fat and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Espresso Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chopped dates with hot brewed coffee, allowing them to absorb moisture and soften for 10 minutes, which will enhance the cake’s deep, rich flavor profile.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake’s structure.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then mix in vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
4. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent lumps.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining the batter’s delicate texture and preventing overmixing.
6. Carefully fold in the coffee-soaked dates with their liquid and chopped walnuts, distributing them uniformly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
8. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50-55 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottom and helps set the structure.
10. Prepare the espresso glaze by whisking powdered sugar with espresso and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
11. Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
12. Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top for textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by soaking dates in hot coffee for an extended period, ensuring a rich, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Elevate the nutty flavor profile by lightly toasting walnuts in a dry skillet before incorporating them into the batter, releasing their natural oils and deepening their taste.
• Adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive individuals by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s delightful texture and flavor.
• Create a dairy-free version by replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, keeping the cake’s indulgent richness intact while catering to different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg