Luscious Date Coffee Cake Recipe: Walnut & Espresso Glaze Magic

Rich, buttery cake layers infused with delectable date coffee cake walnuts offer a decadent twist on classic comfort desserts.

Warm spices dance through each tender crumb, promising an irresistible experience.

The espresso glaze adds a luxurious depth that elevates every single bite.

Soft dates nestled throughout create pockets of natural sweetness that surprise and delight.

Perfectly balanced between nutty crunch and smooth cake texture, this dessert brings serious bakery-style magic to your kitchen.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping treat that impresses without complicated techniques will adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

One slice promises to become your new weekend baking obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for the Date Coffee Cake Glaze and All

• Dates: Soft, sweet fruits that add natural richness and moisture to the cake, choose plump and moist varieties for best texture.
• Coffee or Espresso: Deep, robust liquid that intensifies cake's flavor and helps soften dates, select high-quality freshly brewed coffee.
• Baking Soda: Key leavening agent that helps cake rise and creates tender crumb, ensure it's fresh and not expired.

• Flour: Structural foundation of cake, providing framework and texture, use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complexity, choose fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, aromatic spice that complements coffee and dates, use freshly grated for most intense taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Butter: Provides richness and tender crumb, use unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Create sweetness and moisture, select high-quality sugar for best caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use fresh, room temperature egg for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth and rounds flavor, choose pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.
• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty complexity, toast beforehand to enhance flavor and aroma.

• Instant Espresso: Concentrated coffee flavor for glaze, select high-quality instant espresso powder.

Tools to Build the Walnut Espresso Coffee Cake

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugars smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and preparing date mixture.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Great for whisking dry ingredients and making glaze.
• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Ideal for baking the coffee cake.
• Parchment Paper: Helps remove cake easily and prevents sticking.
• Whisk: Necessary for mixing dry ingredients and creating glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps fold dates and walnuts into batter gently.
• Wire Rack: Perfect for cooling cake completely.
• Toothpick: Used to test cake doneness.

Mixing and Baking a Date Coffee Cake from Scratch

• Date Soaking

Brew a rich coffee and pour over chopped dates, allowing them to become soft and absorb the deep, aromatic liquid. Let the mixture rest and develop complex flavors.

• Batter Preparation

Blend softened butter with sweet brown and white sugars until the mixture turns creamy and light. Gently incorporate a single egg and pure vanilla, creating a smooth base for the cake.

• Ingredient Fusion

Carefully combine flour with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly integrate the spiced flour and reserved coffee liquid into the butter mixture, creating a silky, unified batter.

• Nutty Additions

Gently fold in the plump, coffee-soaked dates and crunchy toasted walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the cake batter.

• Baking Ritual

Transfer the batter into a prepared loaf pan, ensuring even distribution. Bake in a warm oven until the cake turns golden and a slender wooden pick emerges clean when inserted.

• Espresso Glaze Creation

Dissolve instant espresso in hot water, then whisk with powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Adjust the glaze’s consistency to achieve a smooth, drizzling texture.

• Final Touches

Once cooled, drizzle the glossy espresso glaze over the cake. Sprinkle additional toasted walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

How to Switch Up This Coffee Cake With Ease

• Soak dates in hot coffee to soften and enhance their natural sweetness, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Watch cake's texture by straining date mixture carefully, ensuring the right liquid-to-dry ingredient balance for a perfectly moist crumb.
• Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet before adding to batter, releasing their deep, nutty essence and adding delightful crunch.
• Adjust espresso glaze thickness by adding hot water gradually, creating a smooth, drizzle-perfect topping that beautifully coats the cake.
• Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks to enjoy later.

Ideal Ways to Serve This Coffee Cake

• Savor a Slice of Comfort: Enjoy this date coffee cake as a delightful afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, moist texture pairs perfectly with a relaxed moment of indulgence.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this cake as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, impressing guests with its complex flavors and beautiful espresso glaze drizzle.
• Gift of Love: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and warm hospitality.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform this cake into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each slice.

Storing the Date Cake to Keep It Fresh

• Store Fresh and Fabulous: Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Keep at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate for Longer Enjoyment: Extend the cake's life by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quick treat.
• Glaze Touch-Up Tip: If the glaze hardens, gently warm it with a few drops of hot water to restore its smooth, drizzling consistency. Refresh the cake's appearance by adding a light drizzle of glaze just before serving.

Luxurious Date Coffee Cake With Walnuts And Espresso Glaze Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable walnut date coffee cake combines rich flavors from Mediterranean kitchens. Espresso glaze intensifies bold coffee notes, inviting you to savor each indulgent slice of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 cups (590 ml) chopped dates
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) prepared hot coffee or espresso
• 1 cup (240 ml) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) brown sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) butter, softened
• 1.75 cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.125 tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups (480 ml) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps hot water
• 0.5 tsp instant espresso
• 3 tbsps melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack centered, ensuring uniform heat distribution.
2. Date Infusion: Combine chopped dates, hot coffee, and baking soda in a bowl, letting the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until perfectly integrated, creating a fragrant dry base.
4. Butter Mixture: Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer until the texture becomes light, airy, and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Egg Integration: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
6. Batter Construction: Drain date mixture, reserving liquid. Alternately add reserved liquid and flour mixture to the butter base, mixing on low speed to maintain a silky consistency.
7. Final Incorporation: Gently fold softened dates and toasted walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
8. Pan Preparation: Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray. Line with parchment paper, creating slight overhang for easy removal, and lightly spray the parchment.
9. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
10. Cooling and Unmolding: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 20 minutes, then carefully remove using parchment paper overhang and transfer to a wire rack.
11. Espresso Glaze Creation: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water. Whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and prepared espresso together, adjusting consistency with small amounts of hot water if needed.
12. Finishing Touch: Once cake is completely cooled, drizzle espresso glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Optionally, sprinkle additional toasted walnuts for texture and visual appeal. Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Enhance Date Softening: Steep dates in hot coffee or espresso precisely 10-15 minutes to guarantee optimal moisture and rich flavor absorption.
• Master Batter Technique: Alternate liquid and dry ingredients slowly, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender, delicate cake texture.
• Perfect Baking Precision: Rotate pan midway through baking to ensure even heat distribution and golden-brown coloration across the entire cake surface.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Add hot water incrementally when preparing espresso glaze to achieve ideal drizzling thickness without making it too runny or thick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg