There are recipes that have the power to evoke deep memories and sensations, and the date and nut cake is one of those. This cake, with its intense aroma and its soft and rich texture, tells of afternoons spent by the fireplace, steaming cups of tea, and heartwarming conversations.
It is a cake that seems to want to embrace us, with its warm and enveloping flavor, perfect for moments when we seek a little comfort. Its secret is that it brings together simple and genuine ingredients, transforming them into something extraordinary. The dates, sweet and caramelized, blend perfectly with the crunchiness of the walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, and raisins, creating a balance of flavors that captivates at the first taste. And then there’s that aromatic note given by the citron liqueur, which adds an extra, almost magical touch.
If you are looking for a dessert that can amaze your guests or simply give you a moment of pure pleasure, this cake is the right choice. It is perfect as a dessert for a special dinner, but it is equally perfect to accompany a leisurely and relaxed breakfast or a delicious snack.
Moreover, it is an incredibly versatile dessert. You can customize it with your favorite dried fruits or add a touch of dark chocolate, to make it even more delicious. And if you want to give it a truly irresistible appearance, a dusting of powdered sugar or a caramel glaze will be the icing on the cake!
I can’t wait for you to try it and be conquered by its unique taste and intoxicating aroma. Once prepared, it will become one of those desserts you will love to make and remake, for yourself and for the people you love.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 10 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for Date and Nut Cake
- 3.5 oz pitted dates
- 1.75 oz almonds
- 1.75 oz walnuts
- 1.75 oz unsalted pistachios
- 1.75 oz pine nuts
- 3.5 oz raisins
- 5 eggs
- 11 oz powdered sugar
- 5.25 oz flour
- 2.1 oz butter
- 2 tablespoons citron liqueur
- 1 packet baking powder
- lemon zest
Preparation of Date and Nut Cake
Soak the raisins in lukewarm water, chop the almonds and walnuts, cut the dates into pieces, and melt the butter.
Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them with the powdered sugar until they become frothy. Then, add the flour, sifting it in. Mix gently.
Also add the melted butter, citron liqueur, and sifted baking powder. Stir several times, always with a gentle motion from bottom to top.
Next, fold in the almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, well-drained raisins, dates, and the grated zest of half a lemon. Mix the ingredients carefully.
Butter and flour a cake mold, pour in the mixture, leveling the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes.
After the baking time (test it with a wooden stick), remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the mold.
Storage
The date and nut cake keeps for about 6-7 days. Place it in an airtight container or under a glass dome.
Related Recipes
Chocolate, Cinnamon, and Blackberry Cake
FAQ
Can I replace dates with another ingredient?
If you don’t like dates, you can replace them with dried plums, dehydrated apricots, or dried figs. However, remember that dates provide natural sweetness and a unique texture, so the result may vary slightly.
What type of nuts can I use?
The recipe is very versatile: you can use walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, or even a mix. For a more exotic touch, you can add cashews or macadamia nuts.
How can I make the date and nut cake lighter?
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of sugar (dates are already very sweet) and replace part of the butter with Greek yogurt or vegetable oil. The texture will remain soft, but with fewer calories.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Yes. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of ground cloves can add an even more intense and enveloping aroma. Try the mix you like best!
