Mary Berry’s Fluffy Date & Walnut Cake Recipe – Sweet Success

Mary Berry’s date and walnut cake embodies the soul of British baking with its irresistible charm.

Imagine biting into a slice where velvety dates dance with crunchy walnuts in perfect harmony.

This decadent dessert whispers tales of cozy kitchens and cherished family recipes.

Soft, moist crumbs melt on your tongue, releasing waves of deep caramel and nutty undertones.

Packed with natural sweetness and rustic elegance, the cake transforms humble ingredients into a sublime culinary experience.

Crafted with simplicity yet delivering extraordinary flavor, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels.

Check out a slice of pure comfort that promises to transport you straight to a quintessential British tea time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake

• Butter: Opt for high-quality, room temperature unsalted butter for rich, smooth texture.
• Dates: Choose soft, plump dates without crystallization for maximum natural sweetness.
• Bicarbonate Of Soda: Select fresh, active baking soda to ensure proper cake rising.

• Sugar: Select fine granulated sugar for smooth incorporation and balanced sweetness.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room temperature eggs for better mixing and consistent cake texture.
• Sea Salt: Pick fine-grained sea salt to enhance overall flavor profile subtly.

• Baking Powder: Ensure fresh, unexpired baking powder for optimal cake lift and lightness.
• Flour: Select all-purpose flour with consistent protein content for balanced cake structure.
• Walnuts: Pick fresh, crisp walnuts without bitter or rancid undertones for delightful crunch.

Equipment Needed for Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake

• Loaf tin: Standard-sized baking pan for creating perfect cake shape.
• Baking parchment: Non-stick paper for easy cake removal and clean baking.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending ingredients smoothly and incorporating air.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently without deflating mixture.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation to cool cake evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
• Skewer or toothpick: Helpful for testing cake doneness.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping walnuts and slicing the finished cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent baking results.

Instructions to Bake Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake

• Prep the Oven and Tin

Warm up your oven to a cozy 180°C. Lovingly coat a loaf tin with butter and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth pathway for your delectable cake.

• Create Magical Date Blend

Toss dates, butter, and bicarbonate of soda into a mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the ingredients, watching the butter melt into a luscious pool. Let the mixture rest and develop its rich flavors for 20 minutes.

• Whip Up Sweet Base

Transform your date mixture by whisking in sugar until silky smooth. Gently introduce eggs, stirring continuously until the batter becomes light, airy, and creamy with a gorgeous golden hue.

• Combine Dry Ingredients

Softly fold in flour, baking powder, and a whisper of sea salt. Blend everything until the mixture is perfectly smooth, eliminating any sneaky flour lumps that might hide in the batter.

• Add Nutty Crunch

Roughly chop walnuts and fold most of them into the cake mixture. Pour the batter into your prepared tin, then sprinkle the remaining nuts on top for an irresistible textural surprise.

• Bake to Perfection

Start baking at the initial temperature for 20 minutes. Lower the heat and continue baking for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer comes out clean, revealing a perfectly baked interior.

• Cool and Savor

Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, slice and serve this divine creation that’s bursting with sweet date and nutty flavors.

Ways to Customize Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake

Flavor-Packed Baking Tricks

Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a unique texture and taste profile. Each nut brings its own delightful crunch and subtle flavor nuance.

Enhance the cake’s warmth by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dry ingredients. These aromatic spices will transform the cake into a cozy, comforting treat.

Soak chopped dates in rum, orange liqueur, or strong coffee before adding to the batter. This technique infuses deeper, richer flavors and keeps the cake incredibly moist.

Drizzle a simple vanilla or maple glaze over the cooled cake. Sprinkle toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the dessert’s visual appeal.

Serving Ideas for Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake

• Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve warm slices alongside a dollop of vanilla ice cream or thick clotted cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
• Brew the Perfect Companion: Accompany each slice with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or rich coffee to enhance the cake's deep, nutty flavors.
• Create a Breakfast Transformation: Toast a slice and spread with salted butter or honey for a delectable morning treat that elevates your breakfast routine.
• Design an Elegant Plating: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a few whole walnuts and fresh mint leaves for a stunning presentation that impresses guests.

Keeping Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake Fresh

• Store Smartly: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Refrigerate Right: When storing for longer periods, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Freeze for Future: Slice the cake before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing quick and convenient enjoyment later.
• Revive Perfectly: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its original moist and delicate texture.

Moist Mary Berry Date And Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious mary berry date and walnut cake brings nostalgic British baking charm to classic dessert tables. Moist crumb and rich flavor profile promise delightful indulgence you’ll savor with afternoon tea or special celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 200 g (7 oz) soft dates, pitted and roughly chopped
• 150 g (5.3 oz) light muscovado sugar
• 125 g (4.4 oz) unsalted butter, cubed and softened, plus extra for the tin
• 100 g (3.5 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp icing sugar

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate oven to 356°F (180°C), adjusting convection to 320°F (160°C). Thoroughly grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper, ensuring complete interior coverage.
2. Date Mixture: Combine softened butter, chopped dates, and sodium bicarbonate in a large mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over ingredients, stirring until butter melts completely. Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes to develop rich, complex flavors.
3. Batter Development: Whisk granulated sugar into the date mixture until smooth. Integrate eggs gradually, maintaining a consistent, creamy texture throughout the mixing process.
4. Flour Integration: Sift baking powder and all-purpose flour into the liquid base. Add a pinch of sea salt. Fold ingredients gently but thoroughly, creating a silky, lump-free batter.
5. Walnut Incorporation: Fold most of the chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution. Transfer mixture to prepared pan, leveling the surface. Garnish top with remaining walnut pieces for aesthetic and textural contrast.
6. Baking Process: Place loaf in preheated oven. Bake initially at 356°F (180°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 338°F (170°C). Continue baking for 45-50 minutes until fully cooked.
7. Cooling Technique: Verify doneness with a clean skewer test. Remove from oven and let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes to stabilize structure and prevent crumbling.
8. Serving Preparation: Carefully transfer cake to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and presenting.

Notes

• Steep Dates Strategically: Let the date and butter mixture rest for exactly 20 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors and ensure soft, moist texture.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use exact oven temperatures and adjust midway through baking to prevent burning while achieving perfect golden-brown crumb.
• Walnut Distribution Technique: Fold most walnuts into batter and reserve some for topping to create visual interest and varied texture throughout the cake.
• Cooling Is Critical: Allow cake to cool inside pan for 15 minutes before transferring to wire rack, preventing structural breakdown and maintaining ideal cake structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Uk

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg