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Date and Walnut Traybake Cake

Date and Walnut Traybake Cake
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This Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is a moist, rich, and flavorful treat perfect for tea time, dessert, or a light snack. With natural sweetness from dates and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts, this cake combines simple pantry ingredients for an effortless, bakery-quality bake that is easy to customize and sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Nuts

  • 200g chopped dates
  • 100g roughly chopped walnuts (toasted)

Wet Ingredients

  • 175g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 120ml milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 225g self-raising flour (or gluten-free self-raising flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 150g brown sugar
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Dates and Walnuts: Chop the dates into small pieces and roughly chop the walnuts. Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and enhance the caramel flavor.
  3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and subtle sweetness.
  4. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking soda, and any optional spices to ensure even distribution and to prevent clumps.
  5. Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently to combine without overmixing to avoid making the cake tough.
  6. Adding Dates and Walnuts: Fold in the chopped dates and toasted walnuts evenly into the batter. The batter should be thick but pourable with visible chunks of fruit and nuts.
  7. Baking the Traybake: Pour the batter into a lined or greased traybake tin and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Use room temperature softened butter and eggs for better blending and texture.
  • Chop dates and walnuts evenly to ensure balanced distribution in each slice.
  • Mix the batter just enough to combine ingredients; do not overmix to prevent toughness.
  • Ensure baking soda is fresh for proper rise and light texture.
  • Test the cake for doneness starting at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: date cake, walnut cake, traybake, gluten free cake, moist cake, tea time cake, easy dessert

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/date-and-walnut-traybake-cake/