Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with these irresistible Apple Date and Walnut Cakes that are about to become your new obsession! Imagine biting into a moist, perfectly spiced cake studded with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts - a dessert that promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone from family to dinner guests. These aren't just ordinary muffins; they're a culinary experience that blends traditional American baking with gourmet flair, guaranteed to make your home smell absolutely incredible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agent.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cake's tender texture.
- Gently fold in chopped dates and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel glaze before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cakes.
- Even Distribution: When adding dates and walnuts, toss them lightly in a bit of flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Storage Tip: These cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve slightly warm with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
