Date and Walnut Loaf Cake

Ingredients

• 150 grams dates ((pitted and chopped))
• 240 grams hot water ((recently boiled))
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 125 grams butter ((melted))
• 110 grams light brown sugar
• 2 eggs ((medium/large))
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
• 100 g walnuts ((roughly chopped))
• 250 grams plain flour ((all-purpose/standard grade))
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt ((if using unsalted butter))

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F, place the rack in the middle of the oven. Grease and line a loaf pan with baking paper or parchment paper. Allow the paper to hang over the edges to allow for easy removal.

2. 2

   Combine the chopped dates and baking soda in a heat-proof bowl. Pour the hot water over the dates and allow to soak and cool for 5 minutes, stirring to combine.

3. 3

   Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.

4. 4

   Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and spices to the butter mixture. Whisk through until well combined.

5. 5

   Add in the cooled date mixture and chopped walnuts. Stir through to combine.

6. 6

   Toss in the flour and baking powder. Mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until you have a nice cake batter. Do not overmix.

7. 7

   Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin. Smooth the cake batter into the loaf tin with the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Then take a butter knife and create a score down the center of the cake. This encourages the cake to rise and make that beautiful crack down the center.

8. 8

   Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean from the middle of the cake.

9. 9

   Allow the cake to cool in the cake pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out onto a wired rack to cool completely. When the cake is completely cooled, slice, serve and enjoy. For a little bit of indulgence, slather some butter on the slices.