Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful cake combining the natural sweetness of dates with the nutty crunch of walnuts. This cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a cozy dessert, with a tender crumb and a hint of spice. The rich flavors make it a timeless treat that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Naturally Sweetened: The dates add natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
- Moist Texture: The combination of dates and walnuts creates a perfectly moist cake.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples, this cake is easy to put together.
- Great for Gifting: This cake keeps well, making it ideal for gifting or enjoying over a few days.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s equally suitable as a dessert or an afternoon snack.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake?
Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake is a classic dessert featuring sweet, softened dates and crunchy walnuts mixed into a rich cake batter. This cake is popular for its moist, tender crumb and well-balanced flavor, making it a comforting treat perfect for any time of year.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake Ingredients
- 200g pitted dates, roughly chopped
- 200ml boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 100g walnuts, chopped
- A pinch of salt
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dates
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and sprinkle with baking soda. Let the dates soak for about 10 minutes until softened. This step helps break down the dates, adding moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents curdling.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined.
6. Add Dates and Walnuts
- Stir in the soaked dates (including any remaining soaking liquid) and chopped walnuts, folding them into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving if desired.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to the rich cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm flavors beautifully.
- Custard Sauce: Pour warm custard over each slice for a comforting dessert.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For extra richness, spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Hot Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee is a classic pairing with this cake.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake
- Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, plump dates work best for this cake as they add the right amount of moisture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Fold the ingredients gently to keep the cake light and tender.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a bit of spice, try adding nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allow the cake to cool completely for easier slicing and the best texture.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake
- Date and Banana Cake: Add mashed bananas to the batter for a banana-flavored twist.
- Chocolate Date Cake: Stir in chocolate chips or a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
- Spiced Date and Walnut Cake: Add ground ginger, cloves, or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
- Orange Zest Twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note that complements the dates.
- Glazed Date Cake: Drizzle a caramel or maple glaze over the cake for extra sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake?
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake?
- Microwave Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft texture.
- Oven Option: Place the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes to gently warm it.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in date and walnut cake?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each will add a unique flavor and texture, making the cake slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make date and walnut cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but they are softer and moister than dried ones. You may want to reduce the soaking time slightly or skip it altogether, as fresh dates don’t need as much rehydration.
How long does date and walnut cake last?
Date and walnut cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the natural sweetness of dates and the nutty crunch of walnuts together in a tender, moist cake. Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or as a cozy treat, this cake is easy to make and sure to please. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings or on its own for a satisfying, flavorful bite.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
Print
Jamie Oliver Date And Walnut Cake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minute
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Date and Walnut Cake is a classic dessert featuring sweet, softened dates and crunchy walnuts mixed into a rich cake batter. This cake is popular for its moist, tender crumb and well-balanced flavor, making it a comforting treat perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
-
- 200g pitted dates, roughly chopped
-
- 200ml boiling water
-
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
-
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
-
- 150g caster sugar
-
- 2 large eggs
-
- 200g self-raising flour
-
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
-
- 100g walnuts, chopped
-
- A pinch of salt
-
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
-
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dates
-
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and sprinkle with baking soda. Let the dates soak for about 10 minutes until softened. This step helps break down the dates, adding moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
-
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs
-
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents curdling.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients
-
- Sift the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined.
6. Add Dates and Walnuts
-
- Stir in the soaked dates (including any remaining soaking liquid) and chopped walnuts, folding them into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake
-
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
-
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving if desired.
