Date Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze

📖 Description:

This loaf cake is a moist, warmly spiced fusion of tender dates, crunchy walnuts, and bold coffee flavor. It’s crowned with a glossy espresso glaze that enhances the cake’s depth and balances its sweetness. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or a sophisticated dessert.

🌍 Origin:

A modern take on classic date nut bread, this version adds coffee for complexity and an espresso glaze for a café-style finish. Popular in British and Middle Eastern baking, dates provide natural sweetness and moisture, while coffee brings warmth and boldness.

🧾 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 cup pitted dates, chopped (preferably Medjool)
¾ cup boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp instant espresso powder or strong coffee
½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Espresso Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp strong brewed espresso (or 1 tsp instant espresso + 1 tbsp hot water)
1–2 tsp milk or cream (to adjust consistency)
Pinch of salt
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla or coffee liqueur for added depth

🧂 Optional Ingredients:

½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom in the batter for extra warmth
1 tbsp cocoa powder for a mocha twist
Extra chopped dates or walnuts for topping

🥣 Instructions:

1. Prep:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Soften Dates:

Place chopped dates in a bowl, pour boiling water over them, and stir in baking soda.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes. The dates will soften and break down.

3. Make the Batter:

Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and espresso powder.
Mix in the soaked date mixture (including the water).
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
Stir in walnuts.

4. Bake:

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Glaze:

Whisk together powdered sugar, espresso, milk, and salt until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle over cooled loaf. Let set before slicing.

✅ Tips for Success:

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter—just fold until combined.
Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
Chop dates finely to distribute their sweetness evenly.

🌟 Recommendations:

Serve with a latte, masala chai, or a splash of coffee liqueur.
Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
Wrap tightly and store at room temp for up to 3 days; improves in flavor overnight.