There’s something irresistible about the aroma of dates, walnuts, and oranges coming together in a warm, buttery cake. The deep, natural sweetness of Medjool dates, the toasty crunch of walnuts, and the citrusy brightness of orange zest create a dessert that is both comforting and elevated. If you’re in the mood for a moist cake that feels rustic yet refined, this Date, Walnut, and Orange Cake Recipe with Zesty Orange Glaze will become a staple in your baking rotation.
Si vous êtes un fan de round cakes, in search of easy baking ideas, or simply love trying new orange cake recipes, this one delivers on both flavor and presentation. The added zesty orange glaze on top takes the whole experience to the next level—bright, sweet, and tangy all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Cette date and walnut cake is not just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional goodness and textural contrasts. It’s an ideal dessert for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or just because you need a soul-warming treat. Here’s why it stands out:
- Incredibly moist and tender texture thanks to the dates and orange juice.
- Bursting with the nutty richness of walnuts in every bite.
- Balanced perfectly with the citrus tang from freshly grated orange zest and a luscious orange glaze.
- A breeze to bake in standard round cake pans.
- Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingrédients
Pour le Gâteau:
- 1 ½ cups (200g) pitted Medjool dateshaché
- ¾ cup (180ml) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 gros œufs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
- ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (75g) chopped walnuts, toasted
For the Zesty Orange Glaze:
- 1 tasse (120 g) de sucre en poudre, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional for added zing)
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8 or 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (optional for toasting nuts)
- Whisk
Recipe Details: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by placing your chopped Medjool dates into a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the dates and immediately sprinkle the le bicarbonate de soude on top. This softens the dates and helps break them down into a luscious paste that will give your cake that signature moist texture.
Let the mixture sit and cool for about 10 minutes, then mash the dates lightly with a fork until it forms a chunky paste. Set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toasting your noix de grenoble brings out their natural oils and adds a delicious nutty depth to the cake. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before folding into the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated during this step will help the cake rise beautifully.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the les œufs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the l'extrait de vanille, orange zestet orange juice. This citrus infusion adds incredible brightness to the cake and complements the richness of the dates and walnuts.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the la farine, la poudre à pâteet sel. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in Dates and Walnuts
Now gently fold in the mashed date mixture followed by the toasted walnuts. The batter will be thick and textured—exactly how it should be.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Préchauffer votre four à 350°F (175°C). Grease your round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Orange Glaze
Dans un petit bol, fouetter ensemble l' de sucre en poudre, orange juiceet optional zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed—the glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the cake.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it run slightly down the sides for that beautiful, rustic look.
Conseils De Dégustation
Cette moist cake is perfect on its own with a cup of tea or coffee, but here are a few ways to elevate your experience:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream ou Le yogourt grec.
- Garnish with extra chopped walnuts and a few strands of fresh orange zest.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If glazed, refrigerate for up to 5 jours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Congélation: This cake freezes well without the glaze. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 mois. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative variations:
1. Date and Walnut Brownies:
Pour the batter into a square baking pan and slightly underbake for chewy, gooey brownie-like bars. Great for those who love brownies but want something more sophisticated.
2. Date and Orange Bundt Cake:
Double the recipe and bake in a Bundt pan for a show-stopping centerpiece.
3. Add Spices:
Add a teaspoon of la cannelle ou cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings.
4. Citrus Variations:
Substitute lemon or blood orange for a tangier twist on this orange cake recipe.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or a cozy Sunday afternoon, this walnut cake will wow your guests and family. It hits that sweet spot between simple and special, making it an ideal treat for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Thanks to its combination of rich, chewy dates, crunchy nuts, and citrusy glaze, it stands out from your usual dessert fare. And because it uses pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip it up on a whim.
Réflexions Finales
Cette Date, Walnut, and Orange Cake Recipe with Zesty Orange Glaze brings together texture, flavor, and visual appeal in one irresistible dessert. It’s an upgrade on your classic moist cakes, and with its nutty, fruity complexity, it stands proudly next to the best round cakes et easy baking recipes out there.
Si vous êtes un fan de date and walnut cake or looking to explore new, exciting foreign food recipes, this one deserves a spot on your dessert table. Bake it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again.
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