Jamie Oliver Date And Walnut Cake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake is a sweet, rich and comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunchy texture of walnuts. It’s a moist, dense cake that feels almost like a hearty snack, thanks to its heavy use of fruits and nuts. The flavor profile is deep, a bit caramel-like and it’s the kind of cake you can enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. What makes it stand out is the use of dates which not only add sweetness but also keep the cake moist without being overly sugary.

The recipe is one of Jamie’s takes on traditional British baking, with a twist. It’s simple but has the kind of flavors that appeal to both younger and older generations. Perfect for an afternoon gathering or even a casual dessert after dinner.

Jamie Oliver Date And Walnut Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For this cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients to get that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Here’s the rundown:

• Dates: The heart of the cake. You’ll want pitted dates (make sure they’re soft) which provide the natural sweetness and keep the cake moist.
• Walnuts: A handful of these adds a wonderful crunch and a slightly earthy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the dates.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cake.
• Sugar: You’ll need just a bit to enhance the sweetness of the dates. Some recipes use a mix of brown and caster sugar.
• Flour: Plain flour is usually the go-to. It forms the base of the cake’s texture.
• Baking powder: This helps the cake rise, giving it that lightness despite its dense appearance.
• Eggs: To bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth to the cake’s overall flavor.
• Milk: A little milk helps to loosen the batter and ensures it’s not too thick.
• Optional: You might find some variations calling for a bit of cinnamon or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

This recipe doesn’t require anything too fancy but you will need some basic kitchen equipment:

• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry and one to combine them.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: An electric hand mixer makes things easier, especially when you’re creaming the butter and sugar.
• Cake Tin: Typically a round or square 8-inch tin will do the job. Make sure it’s greased and lined.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For folding the ingredients together without overworking the batter.
• Chopping Board and Knife: For chopping up those dates and walnuts.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right proportions for your ingredients.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake

Here’s how you go about making this delicious cake:

1. Prep the Dates: Start by chopping up the dates into small pieces. This will make them easier to mix into the batter and give you more of that sweet, sticky date flavor in every bite.
2. Soak the Dates: To make the dates soft and juicy, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This step helps them break down more easily in the cake batter and prevents them from being too tough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: While the dates soak, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets which will make the cake light.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Throw in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together your flour and baking powder. If you want to add a bit of cinnamon or salt, do it now.
6. Fold the Mixture: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here; you don’t want to knock all the air out.
7. Mix in Walnuts and Dates: After the dry ingredients are fully mixed in, add in the soaked dates and walnuts. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
8. Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared cake tin and level it out with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven (about 350°F or 175°C) for around 45-50 minutes. The cake should be golden on top and a skewer should come out clean when inserted into the center.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

What I Learnt

Making this cake taught me a lot about how simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious. The process was relatively easy but the end result was far beyond what I expected. I learned that soaking the dates is key to making them soft and giving the cake that rich, moist texture. Another thing I discovered is the importance of the walnuts-while they add texture, they also bring a certain nuttiness that cuts through the sweetness of the dates. The balance of flavors really works.

I learned that baking isn’t just about following a recipe. it’s about understanding how different elements contribute to the final product. Even small changes, like how you mix the batter, can make a big difference.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake

This cake is a delicious, cozy treat but if you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe.

1. Swap the Dates: Dates are key in this cake but you can experiment with different dried fruits. Apricots, figs or raisins can give the cake a unique twist while still keeping it moist. Dried cherries would add a tart sweetness that balances nicely with the walnuts.
2. Nut Variety: While walnuts are traditional, other nuts work great too! Try pecans for a softer texture or almonds for a little extra crunch. Hazelnuts could bring a lovely depth of flavor. You could even use a mix of nuts to create a more complex flavor profile.
3. Spices: The original recipe calls for cinnamon but you could add nutmeg or a pinch of allspice for a more autumnal flavor. A dash of cardamom or ground ginger can also bring a fragrant, warm note to the cake.
4. Add Zest: Adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to the batter can enhance the cake’s brightness and cut through the richness of the dates. It’s a simple change but it elevates the overall flavor.
5. Vegan Version: Want to make it plant-based? Swap eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, left to thicken). Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The dates will still keep the cake moist and delicious and you won’t miss the eggs at all!
6. Sweetener Swap: If you want to reduce the sugar, try replacing the white sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness. However, since dates are naturally sweet, you could even cut back on sugar altogether, especially if you prefer a less sugary cake.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

This cake stays moist for several days which makes it perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the leftovers within a couple of days, simply wrap the cake tightly in cling film or parchment paper and store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. Wrap it well to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerated, it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it come to room temperature for the best texture.
3. Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection. It will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, just leave it on the counter for a few hours. Freezing preserves the moisture, so it will taste just like freshly baked!

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake is great on its own but you can make it even more indulgent with a few fun pairings:

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can add a light and creamy contrast to the dense, flavorful cake. You could even add a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the cream for extra flavor.
2. Ice Cream: Vanilla bean or caramel ice cream pairs beautifully with this cake. The cool, creamy texture works against the rich, spiced cake. For an even more decadent treat, try a scoop of honeycomb or toffee ice cream.
3. Mascarpone: For a slightly tangy, richer addition, serve the cake with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese. The mild, creamy texture balances out the sweetness of the dates and walnuts. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top would make it even more delightful.
4. Tea or Coffee: If you’re serving it as a dessert, a nice black tea (like Earl Grey) or a strong cup of coffee makes the perfect beverage pairing. The cake’s warm spices blend well with the aromatic flavors of the tea and the coffee brings out the sweetness in the dates.
5. Yogurt: For something lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt can work wonderfully. The tanginess of the yogurt cuts through the cake’s richness and it’s a perfect balance for a lighter snack or breakfast option.

FAQs

Can I Use Other Nuts Instead Of Walnuts In Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake?

Yes, you can swap the walnuts for pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds if you prefer.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake Gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make it gluten-free.

Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake In Advance?

Definitely! This cake stays fresh for a few days, so it’s great for making ahead.