Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings the best of fall flavors—sweet dates, tart apples, and crunchy walnuts—together in a moist and spiced cake. The salted caramel frosting ties it all together with a rich, gooey topping. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed for a casual gathering, holiday feast, or just with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups chopped stoned dried dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Soak the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl with the butter and bicarbonate of soda. Pour over the boiling water, stirring until the butter has melted. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together. Stir in the cooled date mixture, apples, flour, baking powder, mixed spice, salt, and chopped walnuts. Mix until fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: For the frosting, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the caramel frosting over the cooled cake. Let it set for about an hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Variations
- Nut Alternatives: If you don’t have walnuts, try using pecans or almonds for a different texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- To Store: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Just frost it before serving.
Can I use other dried fruits?
Yes, dried apricots or figs could work well in place of dates for a different flavor.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
To make a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use different types of apples?
You can use any type of apple, but tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for balancing the sweetness.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Frost before serving.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Date, Apple, and Walnut Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for autumn. The combination of dates, apples, and walnuts makes for a moist, flavorful cake, while the salted caramel frosting adds a luscious, sweet finish. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Old-Fashioned Date, Apple, and Walnut Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Fall Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Date, Apple, and Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert packed with sweet dates, tart apples, and crunchy walnuts. Topped with rich salted caramel frosting, it’s the perfect cake for fall gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Easy to make, this cake is an irresistible blend of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups chopped stoned dried dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
-
Soak the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl with the butter and bicarbonate of soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and stir until the butter has melted. Set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
-
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together. Stir in the cooled date mixture, apples, flour, baking powder, mixed spice, salt, and chopped walnuts. Mix until fully combined.
-
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Make the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
-
Frost the Cake: Pour the caramel frosting over the cooled cake. Let it set for about an hour before serving.
Notes
-
Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture.
-
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
