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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake’s structure.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then mix in vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
- Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent lumps.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining the batter’s delicate texture and preventing overmixing.
- Carefully fold in the coffee-soaked dates with their liquid and chopped walnuts, distributing them uniformly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
- 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.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottom and helps set the structure.
- Prepare the espresso glaze by whisking powdered sugar with espresso and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- 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