Date Cake Recipe

Date Walnut Cake Recipe

Lately, I’ve been on a huge cottage cheese kick, using it to add protein to a variety of recipes like Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Cottage Cheese Muffins. However, through experimenting, I’ve learned that it’s especially tasty when added to desserts like this Date Cake! The moisture works wonders to create a soft texture while enhancing the sweet, rich flavors, and no one even notices it’s there, especially when I include walnuts and chocolate chips. 

I’ve also been obsessed with dates lately (hello, Date Shake) and I’ve been making this easy snack cake on repeat! My kids love that they can have a slice of cake for breakfast, and I’ve been loving it as a snack topped with a little Greek yogurt and maple syrup. No matter how you enjoy it, this Date Walnut Cake is truly SO good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 14 g Protein – If you’ve been looking for a high-protein option to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is it! The cottage cheese adds protein, along with the eggs. And the best part is that there’s no protein powder in sight. 
• 9 Simple Ingredients – Grab a pack of dates and a tub of cottage cheese. Then, gather the remaining ingredients from your pantry. 
• Naturally Sweetened – Made with dates and maple syrup instead of refined sugar. 
• Versatile – I almost always include mix-ins, but you can omit them. Or, include whatever you like best! My kids LOVE getting to help choose the toppings. 
• Meal Prep-Friendly – I like to make an extra cake to freeze for busy weekday breakfasts and snacks!

You’ll Also Love: Homemade Date Twix Bars

Ingredients

This date walnut cake comes together with less than nine ingredients, and you probably already have them on hand! 

• Dates – I like Deglet Noor or Medjool dates, but any variety will work. Just make sure they’re pitted and soaked. If using Medjool dates, keep in mind that they’re much bigger. So, you’ll only need about 6-8 large dates! 
• Cottage Cheese – You can also use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. Full-fat cottage cheese works best, but any type is great.
• Maple Syrup – This provides the perfect touch of sweetness without the need for refined sugar and also adds a rich molasses flavor. You can substitute honey, but I much prefer the taste of maple syrup for this recipe. 
• Eggs – These add structure, helping the cake hold its shape. 
• Flour – I use all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour if needed. 
• Leaveners – Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results! 
• Chopped Walnuts – Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Chopped walnuts or almonds would also taste great. 
• Chocolate Chips – I prefer dark chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips also work. Use dairy-free varieties if needed. 

How to Make a Date Cake Recipe 

This easy dessert is ready to eat in about an hour, and all you need is a blender, a large bowl, and a loaf pan. Here’s an overview of how to make the BEST Date Cake: 

1. Soften – Soak the dates in a bowl of water while you prep the other ingredients. 
2. Blend – Drain the dates and blend them with the cottage cheese until smooth. 
3. Mix – Combine all the ingredients until smooth. 
4. Bake – Transfer the cake batter to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, add any toppings (if using), and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
5. Cool – Let the cake cool in the pan slightly. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack for another few minutes. Slice and enjoy! 

RELATED: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix – When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful to mix just until the batter is smooth. Continuing to mix will cause the cake to turn out dry and tough! 
• Add Melted Chocolate – Feel free to melt extra chocolate chips, and drizzle them over the baked cake!
• Include Toppings – Sprinkle extra nuts, chocolate chips, or chopped dates over the cake batter before baking. 
• Let the Cake Cool – I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but it’s important to let the cake cool slightly. This allows it to finish baking and set and prevents it from falling apart once sliced! 

Variations

I love the sweet, nutty taste of this cake as-is, but you can switch up the flavor with extra mix-ins. Some of my favorite variations and additions include: 

• Chocolate Date Cake – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Spiced Date Cake – Enhance the flavors by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon to complement the sweetness of the dates. 
• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra indulgent treat.
• Coconut Date Cake – Mix in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut and sprinkle more on top before baking for a tropical touch.
• Orange – Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Apple Cinnamon – Fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced apples for extra moisture and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Tahini – Stir in 2 tablespoons of tahini for a nutty, slightly savory depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dates.

How to Store 

• Refrigerator: Once cool, transfer leftover slices to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices with plastic wrap, and transfer them to a sealable bag or freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
• To Serve: Thaw frozen cake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. Then, enjoy it right away. Or, warm individual slices for a few seconds in the microwave! 

This cake can also stay at room temperature (stored in an airtight container after cooling completely) for up to 4-6 hours before going in the fridge!

FAQs

Healthy Cake Recipes You’ll Love 

• Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake
• Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake w/ Tahini Chocolate Icing
• Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

More Delicious Ways to Use Dates

• Date Shake
• Date Snickers
• Pumpkin Butter Date Bark
• Almond Joy Chocolate Covered Dates
• Healthy Chocolate Brownies w/ Date Caramel Sauce