This date coffee loaf cake is soft, moist loaf cake that’s subtly infused with the warmth of coffee and sweet bites of dates. It’s the perfect tea-time treat or coffee companion. Serve it as is or elevate it with a drizzle of homemade toffee sauce for that extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist Texture – Soaked dates keep the loaf moist and tender.
- Balanced Flavor – Just the right amount of coffee to complement the natural sweetness of dates.
- Simple Ingredients – You likely have everything you need already in your pantry.
- Optional Toffee Sauce – A quick, luscious addition that turns the loaf into a plated dessert.
- Perfect for Gifting or Freezing – Bake ahead, freeze, and enjoy when needed!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 10–12 dates, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp instant coffee (mixed in 1 cup hot water)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 90g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Optional Toffee Sauce:
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Soften the Dates
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In a bowl, combine chopped dates and the hot coffee.
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Stir in baking soda and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps soften the dates and mellow the coffee flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
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Pour in the date-coffee mixture and stir until well combined.
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Fold in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Grease and line a loaf pan (8×4 inch or similar).
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Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Make the Toffee Sauce
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In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add brown sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Drizzle over individual slices when serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a drizzle of toffee sauce for a dessert-like finish.
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Enjoy with your morning coffee or evening chai.
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Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Date Coffee Loaf Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 10 –12 dates roughly chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp instant coffee mixed in 1 cup hot water
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 90 g unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Optional Toffee Sauce:
- 2 –3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chopped dates and the hot coffee.
- Stir in baking soda and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour in the date-coffee mixture and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a loaf pan (8x4 inch or similar).
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the toffee sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle over individual slices when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I skip the coffee?
Yes, you can replace it with warm water or chai. The cake will still be delicious with just the date flavor.
Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips work beautifully in this loaf.
Q: What kind of dates should I use?
Medjool or soft pitted dates are ideal for this recipe, but any tender variety will do.
