Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a hazelnut date cake? It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! The rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts combines beautifully with the natural sweetness of dates, making every bite an absolute delight. I just love how moist and tender this cake turns out; it’s the kind of treat that makes you want to savor each slice. Plus, the texture is simply divine—crunchy bits of hazelnuts mingling with the soft cake create a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, this hazelnut date cake is my go-to recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on those rich flavors and that unique, satisfying texture!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect hazelnut date cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure your dates are nice and soft—if they’re a bit dry, a quick soak in warm water can help! And don’t skimp on the hazelnuts; they bring that wonderful crunch and flavor that makes this cake so special.
How to Prepare Hazelnut Date Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While that’s heating up, grab your favorite cake pan and grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour—this ensures that the cake won’t stick!
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I like to throw in the vanilla extract at this point for that extra hint of flavor. It smells heavenly!
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix; that can make your cake dense. Now for the star players—gently fold in those chopped hazelnuts and dates. Wow, the texture is going to be amazing!
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—your kitchen will smell like a dream! Enjoy every slice of this delightful hazelnut date cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days!
- A delightful combination of rich hazelnuts and natural sweetness from dates.
- The cake has a moist, tender texture that’s simply irresistible.
- It’s a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Impressive enough for special occasions, yet simple enough for a weekday treat.
- You’ll love the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts in every bite.
Tips for Success
To ensure your hazelnut date cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature—this helps create that creamy texture when mixing. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; just stir until everything is combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. If you want an extra nutty flavor, consider toasting your hazelnuts before adding them in. And remember, letting the cake cool completely before slicing is key; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Variations of Hazelnut Date Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this hazelnut date cake! For a different nutty flavor, try using chopped walnuts instead of hazelnuts—it’s just as delicious! You could also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist that’s perfect for fall. Want a chocolatey touch? Fold in some mini chocolate chips along with the hazelnuts and dates for a rich, indulgent treat. And if you’re in the mood for a hint of citrus, a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavor beautifully. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your hazelnut date cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
If you prefer your cake warm, a quick reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will do the trick! Just be careful not to overheat it—nobody wants a dry cake. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional value of this delightful hazelnut date cake? Here’s a rough estimate per slice (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a slice of this cake is well worth it for the joy it brings!
FAQ Section
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work beautifully in this recipe if you’re in the mood for a change. Just chop them up and fold them in as you would with the hazelnuts.
How should I store the cake?
Keep your hazelnut date cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have fresh dates?
No worries! You can use dried dates; just make sure they’re pitted and chop them up. If they’re a bit dry, soaking them in warm water for a few minutes can help revive their softness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld, so feel free to bake it in advance!
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving this cake with a cup of coffee or tea, but it’s also delightful on its own! You could even dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Hazelnut Date Cake: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious hazelnut date cake that combines rich flavors and a moist texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and butter until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped hazelnuts and dates.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake pairs well with coffee or tea.
- You can substitute walnuts for hazelnuts if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hazelnut date cake, dessert, baking, cake recipe