This Date Nut Spice Cake is a warm, moist, and flavorful vintage dessert filled with aromatic spices, chopped dates, and crunchy walnuts. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, complemented by a tender crumb created with buttermilk and cake flour. A classic from the mid-20th century, this cake was often served for holidays, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. The blend of cloves and cinnamon gives it an old-fashioned charm, while the dates add natural sweetness and moisture. It's an ideal make-ahead cake since the flavors deepen over time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening (or unsalted butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 cup dates (chopped)
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F for an 8"x11" cake or 375°F for 8" round layers.
- Grease and flour your baking pan(s).
Step 2: Cream the Shortening & Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Beat in the whole egg and extra yolk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 6: Fold in Dates & Walnuts
- Gently stir in the chopped dates and walnuts.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake according to pan size:
- 8"x11" cake: 350°F for 35–40 minutes
- 8" round layers: 375°F for 25–30 minutes
- Test with a toothpick; cake is done when it comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve as-is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Use fresh, soft dates for the best texture; if dry, soak briefly in warm water and drain.
- Lightly toast the walnuts to deepen their flavor before folding into the batter.
- Line pans with parchment for easier removal, especially for layer cakes.
- Substitute part of the shortening with butter for richer flavor.
- Add a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting if you’d like a sweeter finish.
- For stronger spice notes, increase cinnamon or add nutmeg or allspice.
- Fold in dates and nuts gently at the end to avoid over-mixing the batter.
- This cake keeps well, wrap tightly; flavor often improves the next day.
- If baking in a loaf pan, allow for slightly longer bake time and lower temperature (350°F).
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 298kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.3mg
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