Apple Date Walnut Loaf Recipe – Orange & Spice Cake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Date Walnut Loaf Recipe – Orange & Spice Cake

Introduction

Oh, this loaf. It’s the kind of cake that just feels like home, doesn’t it? Warm spices, sweet dates, crunchy walnuts… and a hint of orange that just brightens everything up. I first made this for a Diwali gathering a few years ago, and it was gone in minutes! It’s become a bit of a tradition ever since. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon with chai, a festive brunch, or just because you deserve a little something special. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Date Walnut Loaf isn’t just delicious; it’s wonderfully comforting. The combination of textures – the soft crumb, chewy dates, and crisp walnuts – is seriously addictive. Plus, the warm spices create a flavour profile that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a relatively straightforward bake, but feels incredibly special. And honestly, the aroma while it’s baking is worth making it for alone!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful loaf:

• 1 cup pitted dates (about 170g)
• 1 cup chopped apple (about 150g)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ??? cup orange liqueur (about 80ml – see notes for substitutions!)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• ??” cup light brown sugar (about 150g)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1 ?? cup all-purpose flour (about 150g)
• ?? tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (5ml)
• ?? teaspoon baking soda (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon ground nutmeg (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon allspice (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon ground ginger (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon ground cloves (2.5ml)
• ?? teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• ??” cup orange juice (about 120ml)
• ?? cup toasted walnuts (about 60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Dates: Variety & Quality Medjool dates are my go-to – they’re soft, plump, and have a beautiful caramel flavour. If yours are a little dry, give them a quick soak in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.

Apples: Best Types for Baking I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the dates. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work beautifully.

Orange Liqueur: Substitutions & Flavor Profile Cointreau or Grand Marnier are classic choices, adding a lovely citrus complexity. Don’t have any? No problem! You can substitute with an equal amount of orange juice plus ½ teaspoon of orange extract.

Spices: The Warmth of Cinnamon, Nutmeg & More Don’t be shy with the spices! They’re what really make this loaf sing. If you only have pre-ground spices, that’s perfectly fine, but freshly grated nutmeg is divine.

Flour: All-Purpose vs. Whole Wheat Options All-purpose flour gives the best texture for this loaf. You can substitute up to ½ cup with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavour, but it will result in a denser loaf.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted – Which to Use? I always prefer unsalted butter in baking, so I can control the salt level. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper – this makes removing the loaf a breeze.
2. Chop those dates! Then, place them in a bowl and pour over the orange liqueur. Give it a stir and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This plumps them up and infuses them with flavour.
3. While the dates are soaking, toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice. This prevents them from browning.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
7. Gently fold in the soaked dates (and all that lovely liquid!), the apples, and the toasted walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, slice and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this loaf perfect every time:

Achieving the Perfect Loaf Texture Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf.

Preventing a Dry Loaf Make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping it directly from the bag.

Enhancing the Orange Flavor A little extra orange zest never hurts! Feel free to add another teaspoon for a more pronounced citrus flavour.

Walnut Toasting for Maximum Flavor Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavour. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Apple Date Walnut Loaf Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use a plant-based butter and ensure your orange liqueur is vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Apple Date Walnut Loaf Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a little extra liquid to achieve the right consistency.

Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Spicy) Reduce the amount of spices for a milder flavour, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny bit of cardamom too.

Festival Adaptations (Christmas, Thanksgiving) Add a tablespoon of brandy to the batter for a festive touch. You could also decorate the cooled loaf with a simple glaze and sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf is wonderful on its own, but even better with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chai or coffee. It’s also lovely served with a cheese board for a sophisticated afternoon tea.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts in this loaf? Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would be delicious substitutes for walnuts.

What is the best way to store leftover loaf? Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.

Can this loaf be made ahead of time? Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature.

Can I freeze this apple date walnut loaf? Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for orange liqueur? Orange juice with a little orange extract works well, as mentioned earlier.

Is it possible to make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe? Yes! Reduce the baking time accordingly – mini loaves will take about 25-30 minutes, and muffins about 18-20 minutes.