Date cake

If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, rich chocolate cake made without refined sugar, this date loaf cake is a total winner!

By soaking Medjool dates in warm milk and blending them directly into the wet ingredients, you get a silky-smooth batter that stays incredibly moist. A touch of butter (or oil) breaks up the gluten in the flour to create a tender, bakery-style crumb that rises beautifully every single time.

Prep time, Cook time, Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes for soaking)

• Cook time: 30–35 minutes

• Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 8 slices)

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 15 Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup hot milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• ¼ cup (4 tbsp) butter, melted (or neutral oil / melted coconut oil)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup plain all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled into measuring cup)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

For the Toppings

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Dates 🌴

Place the pitted dates into a heatproof bowl or blender jug and pour the 1 cup of hot milk directly over them. Let sit for 20 minutes so the dates become ultra-soft.

2. Blend the Wet Base 🥛

To the bowl or blender with the soaked dates and milk, add the 2 eggs, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Blend on high until completely smooth, creamy, and free of any date chunks.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients 🥣

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

4. Fold Gently ✨

Pour the blended date mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the batter together just until the flour completely disappears. Pro tip: Do not overmix the batter, or the cake will lose its fluffy texture!

5. Top & Bake 🍫

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 8x4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth out the top, and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Serve ☕

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper edges and slice. Enjoy warm!

📊 Estimated Macros (Per Slice - Based on 8 Slices)