Print

Date, Walnut & Orange Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rustic yet elegant cake featuring chopped dates, walnuts, and bright orange zest. Moist and nutty with warm cinnamon spice, it’s topped with a tangy orange glaze — ideal for tea time or autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup (150g) chopped dates
  • ¾ cup (100g) chopped walnuts
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • Juice of 1 large orange (¼ cup)
  • 1¼ cups (150g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped dates and walnuts.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional zest until smooth.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, toast the walnuts before folding into the batter.
  • Use medjool dates for the softest, richest texture.
  • If desired, dust with extra orange zest after glazing for added color and aroma.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/date-walnut-orange-cake/