Description
Jamie Oliver’s date and walnut cake delivers a rich, comforting British dessert packed with Mediterranean flavors. Moist crumbs studded with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts create a perfectly balanced slice that promises warmth and nostalgia in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) self-rising flour
- 6 ounces (170 grams) brown sugar
- 4 ounces (113 grams) chopped dates (pitted)
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ounces (57 grams) margarine
Flavoring and Leavening Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda
- 2 ounces (57 grams) chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the dates by combining chopped dates, margarine, boiling water (212°F/100°C), and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Stir until margarine completely dissolves and dates soften, creating a smooth mixture. Allow the mixture to rest and cool for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Adjust the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Line a standard 9-inch × 5-inch (23 cm × 13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent cake from adhering to the sides.
- In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and roughly chopped walnuts. Gently mix the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold the flour and walnut mixture into the cooled date mixture, stirring carefully to create a uniform batter. Incorporate the lightly beaten egg, mixing until the ingredients are completely integrated and no dry spots remain.
- Transfer the complete batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress. Test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; if it emerges without wet batter, the cake is fully baked. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Elevate your baking experience with this date and walnut cake, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious treat.
- Letting the cake rest overnight intensifies its complex flavor profile, creating a more sophisticated dessert.
- Carefully selected ingredients like brown sugar and soaked dates ensure maximum moisture and depth.
- Room temperature storage maintains the cake’s incredible softness and rich caramel undertones.
- Pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream takes this rustic dessert to gourmet heights.
- Slow baking allows each ingredient to develop its unique character, resulting in a harmonious culinary masterpiece.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Uk
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 228 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg