Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

This Date Coffee Loaf Cake is a delightful combination of rich coffee, naturally sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a smooth espresso glaze. The deep, aromatic flavors of coffee and dates blend beautifully, making it an irresistible treat for coffee lovers. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack, this loaf cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For the Espresso Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons brewed espresso
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped dates, coffee, and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
5. Stir in the date mixture and walnuts until well combined. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the espresso glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and vanilla extract.
8. Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with espresso glaze.
9. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Nut alternatives: You can swap walnuts for other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
• Add-ins: For added flavor, try mixing in chocolate chips or shredded coconut into the batter.
• Dried fruit: Replace the dates with dried figs or apricots for a variation on the original recipe.
• Spices: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm the cake in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer a caffeine-free version of the loaf.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar?
   • You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a slightly different taste and lower glycemic index.
3. Can I make this cake without walnuts?
   • Yes, you can leave out the walnuts or replace them with your favorite nuts or seeds.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   • Yes, this cake keeps well for a couple of days and can be made a day or two ahead. Just store it properly in an airtight container.
5. How can I make the cake more moist?
   • Ensure the dates are softened well with the coffee, as they provide natural moisture. You can also add a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the batter for extra moistness.
6. Can I use another type of flour?
   • You can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may change slightly.
7. Can I freeze this cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
   • To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add more brewed espresso.
9. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
   • While brewed coffee offers a richer flavor, you can use instant coffee dissolved in water as an alternative.
10. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

• Yes, the cake is delicious on its own without the glaze. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Espresso Glaze is a perfect balance of rich coffee flavor, naturally sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts. The addition of the espresso glaze takes this already flavorful loaf to the next level, creating a treat that’s perfect for coffee lovers. Whether served as a breakfast cake, a snack, or a dessert, this loaf cake will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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