Moist Date Cake Recipe – Easy & Delicious Middle Eastern Date Walnut Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Bake Time: 45 minutes   |   Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes   |   Servings: 10

This incredibly **Moist Date Cake** is a beloved Middle Eastern classic. Packed with natural sweetness from dates, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, it delivers a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh for days. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is a favorite during Ramadan, Eid, and everyday gatherings.

What makes this date cake special is the clever use of soaked dates blended into the batter, which adds deep caramel-like flavor and incredible moisture. Combined with cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, it creates a warm, aromatic dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

• 11 dates, pitted and soaked in 1 cup hot water with 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Soak the pitted dates in hot water with baking soda for 10 minutes until soft. Blend into a smooth paste.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil and milk, then mix well.
3. Add the blended date mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Soaking dates with baking soda helps break them down and enhances moisture.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
• You can replace walnuts with pecans or add raisins for extra sweetness.
• This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a simple glaze.

Enjoy this rich, moist, and aromatic **Date Walnut Cake** — a classic Middle Eastern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!