Imagine gathering around the table with family, the rich aroma of baked dates and walnuts filling the air, and the warmth of a homemade fruitcake fresh out of the oven. Our Date and Walnut Fruitcake is the epitome of cozy autumn days and heartfelt gatherings. With its caramel-like top and chunky texture, this fruitcake is not only a treat to the taste buds but also a celebration of togetherness and creativity in the kitchen. Let’s make this holiday season extra special with a bake that speaks volumes of love and tradition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the dates soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the softened dates (including the liquid) and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
For a delightful twist, add a handful of your favorite dried fruits like apricots or raisins. Beginners may find it easier to use pre-chopped dates and pre-chopped walnuts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
Pairings
Enjoy this Date and Walnut Fruitcake with a cup of spiced chai tea or a rich, dark coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
We hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this Date and Walnut Fruitcake as we do. Share your delightful creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. Don’t forget to leave your feedback on our website Zynahz. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and follow us on social media for more inspirational recipes. Here’s to creating heartwarming memories, one slice at a time!
