Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s tender, aromatic, and just downright irresistible, let me introduce you to my favorite coffee break companion: Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso. This cake is a delicious twist on classic coffee cake, combining the rich sweetness of dates with robust espresso and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. It’s got layers of flavor in every bite, comes together easily, and is guaranteed to make any morning feel extra special. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked on the cozy, bakery-worthy magic of Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! Each component in this Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso pulls its weight, bringing something essential to the table—whether it’s moisture, crunch, or that comforting aroma you can’t resist. Here’s how every ingredient builds the cake’s perfect flavor and texture:

• Pitted dates (1 cup, chopped): These provide natural sweetness and keep the cake moist, plus they blend beautifully with espresso.
• Hot brewed espresso or strong coffee (1 cup): The backbone of that deep, bold coffee note—freshly brewed is best for maximum impact.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and creates that crave-worthy crumb we all love in a coffee cake.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cake its lovely lift—don’t skip for a tender, airy bite.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream to add extra fluffiness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into balance and prevents the cake from being too sweet.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds gorgeous warmth and a cozy scent throughout the cake.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a perfect golden top.
• Large eggs (2): Gives the cake structure, moisture, and richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings exceptional moisture and a slight tang that makes this cake sing.
• Chopped walnuts (1 cup): Offer up a toasty crunch and make every bite interesting.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup, for topping): Sprinkled over the batter for a perfectly caramelized, slightly crunchy topping.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, for topping): Enhances the aroma and adds extra warmth to the top layer.

How to Make Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Let’s get the stage set! Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This ensures a perfectly baked Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso that releases easily and keeps its pretty shape—no sticking here!

Step 2: Soften the Dates with Espresso

Chop your dates and place them in a medium bowl. Pour the hot espresso or strong coffee over the top and let them sit for 10 minutes. This magical soaking step plumps up the dates and infuses them with bold coffee flavor. After soaking, mash them gently with a fork so you get soft pockets of date throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This distributes all the leavening agents and spices evenly, so your cake rises like a dream and every slice is packed with cinnamon warmth.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Take your time—this step adds air, which is key for a tender cake. Once it’s creamy, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract for that extra hint of sweetness.

Step 5: Build the Batter

Now, stir in the date-espresso mixture and the sour cream into your butter mixture. You’ll see the batter transform—expect a gorgeous, caramel-hued color and a heavenly aroma at this point. Then, gently fold in your dry ingredients until just incorporated (don’t over-mix!), followed by the chopped walnuts for that irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Mix the brown sugar with the additional cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake. This simple touch gives Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso its signature crackly, fragrant golden topping.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent wafting through your kitchen will be divine. Let it cool before slicing—this helps all those flavors settle in and makes for neater slices.

How to Serve Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso

Garnishes

Dress up each piece with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped walnuts. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a little drizzle of warm espresso-laced glaze takes the Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso over the top!

Side Dishes

This cake practically begs to be enjoyed with your favorite cup of coffee or cappuccino. Fresh berries or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt on the side add freshness and balance, making for a complete, delicious morning or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the batter in a decorative bundt pan for a special occasion, or slice the cake into individual squares and tuck them into napkins for a picnic-ready treat. A little scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream alongside warm slices turns your Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso into a standout dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices snugly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps your Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso perfectly moist and fresh for snacking all week long.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. That way, whenever a craving hits, you’re only minutes away from coffee cake bliss!

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen all over again, and the textures turn utterly dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?

Absolutely! Dissolve 2–3 teaspoons of your favorite instant coffee in a cup of hot water for a rich, bold flavor that’s perfect in Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works beautifully and brings similar moisture and tang to the cake.

Do I have to use walnuts?

Not a fan of walnuts? No problem—you can use pecans, hazelnuts, or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso that’s still deliciously soft.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Start checking around 35 minutes—look for a golden-brown top, and insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso is ready.

Can I add other flavors?

Definitely! For an extra twist, try a splash of coffee liqueur when soaking the dates, or sprinkle a touch of orange zest into the batter for a pop of brightness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts & Espresso. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, sharing with friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this cake delivers comfort and wow-factor in every slice. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for coffee breaks and celebrations alike!

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