Louise'S Date Nut Cake
A rich, moist date nut cake featuring chopped dates and nuts, perfect for dessert or teatime, offering sweet, nutty flavors with a tender crumb that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add self-rising flour and eggs to the mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Stir in chopped dates, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour batter into a prepared baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute the chopped dates with dried figs or raisins if needed. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you prefer a nuttier taste, toast the pecans and walnuts before adding them to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Louise's Date Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or serve alongside a yogurt apple salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louise'S Date Nut Cake contains roughly 4572 calories, with 67g protein, 543g carbohydrates, and 227g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), iron (139% of the Daily Value), and protein (133% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 46g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Louise's Date Nut Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors will deepen as it sits. Just ensure it is stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months and thaw it a day before serving.
What can I use if I don't have self-rising flour?
If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to mimic self-rising flour.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the moisture and texture of the cake. A reduction of up to 1/4 cup is generally safe, but avoid cutting it down too much to maintain the cake's richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).