There is something incredibly comforting about a slice of moist, flavorful coffee cake that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe brings together the rich earthiness of espresso, the natural sweetness of dates, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at an afternoon gathering, this cake balances bold flavors and tender textures beautifully, making it a beloved treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfectly balanced cake. From the velvety butter that keeps it moist to the aromatic espresso that adds depth, every element plays a crucial role in making this cake truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring a tender crumb without heaviness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the dates and walnuts.
- Unsalted butter: Offers richness and moisture—softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The star ingredient providing a bold, sophisticated depth.
- Dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, they add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture.
- Walnuts: Provide a crunchy contrast and a nutty richness.
- Brown sugar for topping: Creates a sweet, slightly caramelized crust.
- Walnuts for topping: Sprinkle on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Ground cinnamon for topping: Adds a final aromatic touch to the surface.
How to Make Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing plus flouring a 9-inch round or square baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon—this ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to be incorporated smoothly into the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is key for a tender cake, as it introduces air and helps dissolve the sugar for even sweetness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until everything is well combined. These ingredients give the cake structure and that lovely, familiar flavor that makes coffee cake feel like a comforting classic.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Espresso Gradually
Alternately add the flour mixture and cooled espresso to your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mix. This technique keeps the batter smooth and allows the espresso to infuse every bite with a subtle, robust flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Step 5: Fold in Dates and Walnuts
Gently stir in the chopped dates and walnuts to the batter. These add delightful texture contrasts — the chewy sweetness of dates pairs perfectly with the crunch of walnuts, making each slice more interesting and satisfying.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, mix the topping ingredients—brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon—in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the batter. This topping creates a crispy, flavorful crust that makes this cake extra special when baked for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest period helps the cake set perfectly, making it easier to slice while preserving moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe
Garnishes
To bring this cake to the next level, try dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra pinch of cinnamon on top just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also add a luscious finishing touch that complements the espresso and date flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. For a brunch spread, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt for contrast in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a charming tea party display or serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can even layer chunks of this coffee cake between whipped mascarpone and berry compote for an elegant trifle variation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, this coffee cake keeps its freshness at room temperature for up to two days. For longer enjoyment, refrigeration extends its life for 4-5 days while maintaining moistness.
Freezing
This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake as if freshly baked, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. This softens the cake and revives the deep flavor notes of espresso and toasted walnuts.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute strong brewed coffee for espresso if needed. Just make sure it’s strong enough to impart a noticeable coffee flavor, otherwise the cake may taste a bit milder than intended.
Are there any good substitutes for dates in this cake?
If dates aren’t your favorite or are hard to find, dried figs or chopped prunes can work well. They provide similar chewiness and sweetness, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Be sure to choose a dairy-free alternative that holds up to baking for the best texture results.
Can I add more nuts or different kinds of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the walnuts or mix in pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a unique twist. Just keep the total nut quantity similar to avoid overpowering the batter.
Is this cake best served warm or at room temperature?
This cake is delicious either way! Warm slices release more of the espresso and date aroma and offer a softer texture, while room temperature slices are easier to serve and still full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe is a joyful little adventure that rewards you with a cake bursting with flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether for a cozy morning or a casual get-together, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a treasured treat!
Print
Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the rich taste of espresso with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee, this cake offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors with a cinnamon-spiced walnut topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
Add-ins
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Continue beating until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled espresso or strong brewed coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Fold in dates and walnuts: Stir in the chopped dates and walnuts to evenly distribute these flavorful additions throughout the batter.
- Prepare the batter for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter to add a sweet and crunchy finish.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee if an espresso maker is not available.
- Make sure the coffee is completely cooled before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling the eggs.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
- Chopping walnuts and dates unevenly can add different textures to the cake; you can adjust sizes according to preference.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
