There’s something about a traybake cake that makes it feel like a comforting, homemade treat. The Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is no exception. With its moist, tender crumb and the sweetness of dates combined with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or share it with loved ones, this cake brings the warmth of home to every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is one of those classic recipes passed down through generations, often made for a family gathering or a quick afternoon tea. The natural sweetness of dates and the nutty crunch of walnuts make it a perfect snack or dessert. It’s simple to make but so full of flavor—perfect for those moments when you want to bake something comforting and easy.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Traybakes have long been a staple in British baking culture, known for their simplicity and versatility. Often associated with school bake sales and family celebrations, this easy-to-make cake highlights ingredients that are both affordable and widely available. The inclusion of dates adds a touch of richness, while walnuts give it that nutty texture we all love in a baked treat.

Why You’ll Love Date and Walnut Traybake Cake

Trust me, you’re going to love this cake. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, moist but firm, and it’s quick to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.

Versatile: You can add a variety of other dried fruits or nuts to this cake. Try swapping the walnuts for pecans or adding some raisins for extra sweetness.

Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s a budget-friendly option for a delicious homemade treat.

Quick and Easy: This traybake comes together in no time. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious cake that’s ready to enjoy.

Customizable: Want a bit more spice? Add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of cake that everyone loves, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings, tea parties, or family dinners.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it a day in advance, and it’ll only get better as the flavors settle in.

Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, this cake keeps well for a few days and even freezes well for later enjoyment.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, plump dates will provide the best flavor and moisture in this cake. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping them.
Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor and adds an extra crunch to the cake.
Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing will lead to a dense cake.
Check the Cake Early: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking it.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This simple recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools, just a few basic essentials:

9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for this traybake cake.

Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.

Electric Mixer or Whisk: To beat the cake batter until smooth.

Knife and Chopping Board: For chopping the dates and walnuts.

Ingredients in Date and Walnut Traybake Cake

This Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is all about harmony in ingredients—each one contributing to the texture, flavor, and moistness of the cake.

Dates: 200g (chopped)
Dates add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it wonderfully tender.
Walnuts: 100g (chopped)
Walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
Butter: 100g (softened)
Butter gives the cake a rich, tender crumb and adds to the flavor.
Sugar: 150g (granulated)
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a golden crust.
Flour: 200g (self-raising)
Flour forms the base of the batter and helps give the cake structure.
Eggs: 2 large
Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cake a light texture.
Baking Powder: 1 tsp
Baking powder helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Looking to tweak the recipe a bit? Here are a few substitutions you can try:

Butter: You can swap the butter for vegetable oil or margarine if preferred.

Dates: If you don’t have dates, try using raisins or dried apricots for a different twist.

Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well as alternatives.

Ingredient Spotlight

Dates: Dates are naturally sweet and full of fiber, which makes them a great addition to any baked good. Not only do they provide sweetness, but they also contribute a lovely moist texture.

Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, and they add a delightful crunch to this cake. They also offer a slightly bitter flavor that balances out the sweetness of the dates.

Instructions for Making Date and Walnut Traybake Cake

Making this Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is easy and fun. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked treat:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Ensure your baking pan is greased and lined to prevent the cake from sticking.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Sift the flour and baking powder together, then fold them into the butter mixture, a little at a time. Add the chopped dates and walnuts, mixing gently until everything is combined.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Finishing Touches:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut into squares or slices. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet dates and crunchy walnuts.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The key to this cake’s success is its texture—moist and dense without being heavy. The dates keep the cake soft, while the walnuts add a delightful contrast with their crunch. The sweetness from the dates is balanced by the slight bitterness of the walnuts, creating a flavor that’s rich but not overpowering.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, try sprinkling a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
If you want a smoother texture, you can chop the dates into smaller pieces or even blend them.
Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; start checking it after 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

What to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: This can result in a dense cake.
Not Cooling the Cake: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before slicing to avoid it falling apart.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Date and Walnut Traybake Cake can be made a day ahead, and it actually tastes better after resting. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month.

How to Serve Date and Walnut Traybake Cake

This cake is perfect on its own with a cup of tea, but it also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a twist, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have any leftovers, try crumbling the cake over yogurt or use it as a base for a trifle. The flavors will still shine through, and you can get creative with your toppings.

Additional Tips

For an extra indulgence, top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
If you want a firmer texture, try reducing the butter slightly and adding a touch more flour.

Make It a Showstopper

To make the cake look even more impressive, garnish it with extra chopped walnuts and dates before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Version: Add some chocolate chips into the batter for a delicious twist.
Dried Apricot Version: Swap the dates for dried apricots for a slightly tangy flavor.
Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warming spice kick.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.

2. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. This cake freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and store it for up to a month.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe.

4. How long does this cake last?
The cake will last for about 3 days at room temperature, or you can store it in the freezer for longer.

5. Can I add other dried fruits?
Yes! You can add raisins, cranberries, or even figs for added texture and flavor.

6. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
You can use a different pan size, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Is this cake gluten-free?
This cake contains wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

8. What can I serve this cake with?
This cake is perfect with a cup of tea, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

9. How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.

10. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes! Chocolate chips or chunks would be a delicious addition to the batter.

Conclusion

This Date and Walnut Traybake Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, comforting bakes. With its tender texture, rich flavor, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Give it a go and enjoy every slice!