Few bakes capture the comfort of home quite like a Mary Berry date and walnut cake. With its soft crumb, natural sweetness from the dates, and nutty crunch of walnuts, this loaf is a timeless treat. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a special bake for friends, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
A Cake with Tradition and Comfort
Mary Berry has always been associated with baking that feels like home—recipes that remind us of family kitchens, rainy afternoons, and warm conversations over tea. The date and walnut loaf cake is one of those classics that never goes out of style. It’s not overly sweet, it’s packed with natural flavor, and it has that perfect balance of moist sponge and nutty bite.
What makes this cake extra special is its versatility. You can serve it plain and simple, butter a slice for a tea-time snack, or even dress it up with frosting for celebrations. It’s one of those recipes that feels equally at home on a casual weekday table as it does on a festive holiday spread.
Mary Berry Date and Walnut Cake
Ingredients
- 175 g Stoned dates
- 150 ml Boiling water to soften the dates
- 75 g Butter softened
- 100 g Boft brown sugar
- 2 Large eggs beaten
- 175 g Self-raising flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 75 g Walnuts roughly chopped
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon optional, for warmth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas 4. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- Soften the dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and dry ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Stir in dates and walnuts: Gently fold in the softened dates and walnuts (and banana, if using).
- Bake: Spoon mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter or on its own.
Notes
- The loaf usually yields 8–10 slices.
- This means it can comfortably serve 8–10 people (assuming one slice each).
Also Read: Mary Berry’s Date and Banana Cake: Homemade Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Moist Date and Walnut Cake?
This isn’t just a cake—it’s a slice of comfort. The dates give it a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy crunch of walnuts. The sponge stays moist for days, making it a bake-ahead favorite for busy families. If you’ve ever been intimidated by baking, this is one of the easiest recipes to start with. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
For those who love experimenting, you can adapt it to your mood: add a banana for extra richness, fold in chocolate chips for indulgence, or sprinkle oats on top for a rustic finish.
Serving Suggestions
One of the joys of this cake is how adaptable it is. Slice it warm and serve with butter for a traditional teatime treat, or top it with cream cheese frosting and candied walnuts to turn it into a celebration cake. If you’re baking for breakfast, add a spoonful of yogurt on the side for a wholesome start to the day.
And here’s a little tip: this cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to deepen. So if you can resist eating it all at once, save a slice or two—you’ll thank yourself later.
Also Read: Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe: A Royal Classic with a Modern Twist
Final Thoughts
The Mary Berry date and walnut cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of why we bake: to bring comfort, joy, and warmth to the table. It’s moist, nutty, and full of natural sweetness, making it a loaf that appeals to every generation. Whether you enjoy it plain, frosted, or with a banana twist, this cake is bound to become a family favorite.
So next time you’re looking for an easy date cake recipe that delivers both flavor and nostalgia, this one’s for you. Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
Disclaimer
We are an educational platform, not professional counselors, therapists, or medical experts. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional parenting, medical, psychological, or legal advice. Every family and child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals before making decisions about your family’s health, education, or well-being. I share my personal experiences here purely for entertainment purposes, so please do not take them too seriously or apply them to yourself without proper consideration.
