Fruit sponge and a cream cheese frosting on top makes this date and walnut cake impossible to resist.
Date and walnut cake is a moist cake that brings together the sweetness of the date with the slightly bitter, nuttiness of the walnut in a classic pairing. It’s something of a traditional tea time favourite – in fact this recipe was taken from an old Woman’s Weekly magazine, dating back to 1939. Easy to follow, the results are nevertheless guaranteed to impress friends and family both in terms of taste and presentation. The slight crunch from the walnuts and the chewiness of the date create a great alternative to a traditional fruit cake and is just delicious along with your favourite brew.
Ingredients
- 175g (6oz) dates, finely chopped
- ¾ level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 60g (2oz) butter, softened
- 175g (6oz) light muscovado sugar
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 250g (8oz) self-raising flour
- 60g (2oz) walnuts pieces, chopped
For the topping:
- 125g (4oz) mascarpone or cream cheese
- 30g (1oz) walnut pieces, roughly chopped
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Set the oven to gas mark 4 or 180°C. Line a 20cm (8in) round cake tin with baking paper.
- Put the dates and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl and pour over 200ml (7fl oz) boiling water. Leave for 5 mins.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl, beat in the egg and then the date mixture, with the water. Fold in the flour and walnuts and stir lightly until well mixed. Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1-1¼ hours until risen, and a skewer when inserted comes out clean. Leave for 10 mins, then take out of the tin to cool on a wire rack. Spread mascarpone, or cream cheese, over cake and sprinkle with nuts.
Top tip for making date and walnut cake
This recipe is also delicious with the walnuts swapped for pecans.
You might also like...
-
Orange polenta and olive oil cakeThis orange polenta and olive oil cake has just a handful of ingredients and will taste even better if you can bake it a couple of days ahead.
-
Black Forest gateauOur Black Forest gateau has a rich, luxurious chocolate sponge sandwiched with freshly whipped cream and topped with sweet cherries...
-
Maltesers shortbreadOur Maltesers shortbread takes just 20 minutes to bake and use only five ingredients
-
Annabel Karmel's trio of vegetables with tomato and basilSuitable for six months plus, this baby food by nutritional expert Annabel Karmel is made with a whole heap of veggies...
-
Annabel Karmel's cheesy carrot starsThese flavour-packed cheesy carrot stars by Annabel Karmel are perfect for introducing finger foods to your little one...
-
Steak and salsa wrapsOur steak and salsa wraps are one of those build-you-own suppers the teens in your house will love...
-
Feel insecure in your relationship? Check if you recognise these 6 'healthy habits'If you're feeling insecure in your relationship, take a look at these six healthy habits that those in a secure partnership practice - introducing them could make a difference.
-
Paris Hilton’s expert-approved parenting rule that ‘bans’ her two kids from using one everyday itemThe socialite is taking in all the expert advice she can when it comes to her parenting rules
-
Emotionally healthy children need their parents to do these 10 important things, according to expertsTherapists share the 10 strategies children need their parents to use to be emotionally nurturing. If you want emotionally healthy children - give them a try.
