Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze
Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze
Introduction
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warm embrace of a slice of moist and flavorful cake. This Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze is the perfect treat to start your day or enjoy as an indulgent snack. Combining the rich flavors of dates, walnuts, and espresso, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you’re a coffee lover or simply enjoy a delicious homemade cake, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Date Coffee Loaf Cake has several features that make it truly special. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Additionally, the combination of dates and walnuts adds a delightful texture and flavor to the cake. The rich espresso glaze drizzled on top elevates the taste and gives it a luxurious touch. Moreover, this recipe can be customized to suit different dietary preferences, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Ingredients
For the Date Coffee Loaf Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
For the Rich Espresso Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso
Note: You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the brewed coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the chopped dates and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the rich espresso glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and brewed espresso until smooth.
10. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the rich espresso glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
12. Slice and serve the Date Coffee Loaf Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a truly delightful experience.
Expert Tips for Success
– For a more intense coffee flavor, you can replace a portion of the brewed coffee with espresso.
– Make sure the brewed coffee is completely cooled before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.
– If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
– To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
Variations and Substitutions
– If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different twist.
– For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
– To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Date Coffee Loaf Cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a few accompaniments:
– A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds a creamy and cooling element.
– Sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or dust the cake with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation.
– Enjoy a slice with a side of fresh berries or a fruit compote for a burst of freshness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
A: While instant coffee can be used, brewed coffee will yield a richer and more authentic flavor. If using instant coffee, dissolve it in water following the package instructions before adding it to the batter.
Final Thoughts
This Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of coffee, dates, and walnuts in a moist and flavorful cake. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Its simplicity, versatility, and heavenly taste make it a must-try for coffee and cake lovers alike. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious creation.
Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze
Indulge in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the warmth of a moist and flavorful Date Coffee Loaf Cake enriched with walnuts and a luxurious espresso glaze. This recipe balances the richness of dates, nuttiness of walnuts, and bold flavor of espresso to create a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a loaf pan.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
-
Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
-
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients and brewed coffee to the butter mixture, alternating and starting/ending with dry ingredients.
-
Fold in chopped dates and walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Prepare the espresso glaze by whisking powdered sugar and brewed espresso until smooth.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled cake and let it set.
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Slice and serve the Date Coffee Loaf Cake with a hot beverage for a delightful treat.