I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Date and Walnut Cake. I was visiting a friend who insisted I try his baking experiments. The moment I bit into that moist, nutty slice, I knew I was hooked. It wasn’t just dessert-it felt like comfort wrapped in golden brown perfection.
- This cake isn’t just a recipe.
- It’s a mix of tradition and modern twist.
- Perfect for a lazy afternoon tea or a weekend treat.
It has a texture that hugs your teeth and flavors that linger. Sticky dates, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of caramel sweetness make it unforgettable.
Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake Recipe
The first time I baked this cake, I approached it like a mini adventure. I lined up my ingredients, preheated the oven, and followed Jamie’s method carefully. The kitchen soon smelled like warm honey and roasted nuts, and I felt proud handing out slices to friends.
This cake is:
- Moist but not heavy
- Sweet without being overpowering
- Nutty, with a pleasant crunch
It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a true baker, even if you usually stick to toast for breakfast.
Ingredients Needed
I like to think of ingredients like characters in a story-they all play their part. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 250g pitted dates, chopped
- 300ml boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 175g butter, softened
- 175g soft brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g walnuts, roughly chopped
- Pinch of salt
Every ingredient matters. Dates provide natural sweetness and moisture. Walnuts give texture. Butter and sugar balance richness. Even a pinch of salt makes flavors pop.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake
I like to imagine the cake as a slow transformation. From a pile of raw ingredients to a golden, aromatic masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a cake tin.
- Pour boiling water over chopped dates and sprinkle in the baking soda. Let them soak and soften.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one by one, followed by vanilla extract.
- Fold in flour and salt gently.
- Stir in the softened dates and walnuts.
- Pour mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes. Test with a skewer-it should come out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin.
Baking this cake feels like magic. The kitchen fills with a rich, nutty aroma that promises something special.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Here’s why this cake works so beautifully:
- Dates: They are hygroscopic, which means they hold moisture and keep the cake soft. They also caramelize slightly during baking, adding depth of flavor.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the acids in dates to help the cake rise.
- Butter and sugar: Creaming these introduces air, creating lightness.
- Walnuts: Provide structure and crunch. They also release oils that enrich the crumb.
Understanding these small details helps you tweak and perfect the recipe every time.
Expert Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get this cake just right:
- Always soak dates in boiling water-this ensures a smoother texture.
- Use room-temperature butter for fluffier batter.
- Fold ingredients gently to avoid deflating the mixture.
- Check your oven temperature; even slight variations can affect baking time.
- Let the cake rest before slicing-it allows flavors to settle.
These little hacks make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Recipe Variations
I like to get creative sometimes. Here are a few ideas:
- Spiced version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Chocolate twist: Fold in 50g of dark chocolate chunks.
- Citrus hint: Add zest of one orange for a fresh note.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular flour with almond flour, adjusting baking time slightly.
Experimenting can make this recipe feel like a personal signature cake.
Final Words
Every time I bake this cake, it brings back memories. The smell, the taste, the little sense of accomplishment. It’s more than just dessert-it’s a connection to comfort, friends, and Jamie Oliver’s playful genius.
- Take your time with each step.
- Savor the aromas.
- Share it with someone special.
Even a small slice feels like a celebration.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake So Special?
The combination of juicy dates and crunchy walnuts gives this cake a rich flavor and perfect texture. It’s also incredibly moist.
Can I Substitute The Walnuts In Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake?
Yes! You can replace the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Date And Walnut Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it to keep it fresh for a week.