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Cozy Date and Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist, tender cake packed with sweet Medjool dates and crunchy walnuts, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (250 g) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (120 g) walnuts, chopped
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped dates in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let them sit for 15 minutes. Do not drain.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the date mixture (dates and soaking water) with a rubber spatula until incorporated. Then fold in the chopped walnuts.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip soaking the dates—it’s essential for moisture. Room temperature ingredients are important for proper creaming. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: date cake, walnut cake, cream cheese frosting, cozy cake, moist cake, easy cake recipe, fall dessert

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/cozy-date-and-walnut-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/