Date Coffee Loaf with Walnuts
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp brewed espresso (strong coffee)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and hot coffee. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the dates.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the softened dates (with any remaining coffee) and chopped walnuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the espresso glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing and serving.