If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your sourdough discard besides pancakes, this Sourdough Dates Walnut Cake Loaf is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a loaf that’s moist, slightly caramel-like from the dates, with crunchy walnut bits in every slice. Now add a subtle sourdough tang that deepens the flavor. That’s exactly what you get.
It’s not just a cake. It’s not just bread. It’s that perfect in-between loaf you slice thickly and enjoy with coffee on a slow morning.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Dates Walnut Cake Loaf
Let’s be honest. We all want a recipe that delivers big flavor without complicated steps. This one checks all the boxes:
- Moist and tender crumb
- Naturally sweet from soft, soaked dates
- Crunchy walnuts for texture contrast
- Light sourdough depth without overpowering tang
- Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert
It’s comfort in loaf form. Like a cozy sweater, but edible.
Additionally, the texture feels tender yet structured. If you’ve made my Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe, you’ll recognize that same soft crumb. However, this loaf feels slightly richer and more complex due to the dates.
Similarly, the crumb structure resembles my Sourdough Carrot Bread, yet this version leans more toward dessert thanks to the natural sweetness of soaked dates.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Loaf
Wet Ingredients Breakdown
- Soft chopped dates
- Hot water (to soften and bloom flavor)
- Baking soda
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sourdough starter
Soaking the dates in hot water is crucial. It transforms them into soft pockets of sweetness instead of chewy chunks.
If you enjoy nut-forward sourdough flavors, you’ll love the depth in my Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread, which uses similar structural balance between sweetness and nuts.
Dry Ingredients Breakdown
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Chopped walnuts
- Warm spices (optional: cinnamon, nutmeg)
Choosing the Best Dates and Walnuts
Use soft Medjool dates if possible. They’re naturally sticky and rich. For walnuts, lightly toast them first, it boosts their flavor dramatically.
Step-by-Step Sourdough Dates Walnut Cake Loaf Recipe
Preparing the Date Mixture
- Chop 150g dates.
- Pour 240g hot water over them.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Let sit for 10 minutes.
This step softens the dates and creates that luscious, moist crumb.
Mixing the Batter
- Melt 90g butter.
- Stir in 90g brown sugar.
- Add 2 large eggs.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Add ½ cup sourdough starter.
- Fold in the date mixture.
- Stir in 200g flour, spices and 10g baking powder.
- Fold in 120g chopped walnuts.
Don’t overmix. Think gentle folding, not aggressive stirring.
Baking to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Pour batter into lined loaf pan.
- Bake 50-60 minutes.
How to Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Let it cool completely before slicing. Hard? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Tips for Achieving Bakery-Style Results
Avoiding a Dense Loaf
- Measure flour correctly (spoon and level).
- Don’t overmix.
- Make sure baking powder is fresh.
Getting a Beautiful Crack on Top
Fill the loaf pan properly and bake at steady heat. That rustic crack gives it character, like a signature.
For another fruit-forward sourdough quick bread, check out Sourdough Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. It highlights how fruit acidity pairs beautifully with sourdough structure.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Making It Healthier
Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Chocolate Chip Upgrade
Add dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style twist. Dates + chocolate = magic.
If you enjoy loaf-style sourdough desserts, you’ll also love the structure in Sourdough Chai Chocolate Loaf Cake, which follows a similar mixing method.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Room Temperature Storage
Store in airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezing for Later
Slice and freeze individually. Perfect for grab-and-go mornings.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
This loaf shines next to a strong cup of coffee or chai tea. The nutty sweetness pairs beautifully with bitterness.
Turning It into a Dessert
Toast a slice and top with cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. Next level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the date soaking step
- Overbaking (dry loaf alert!)
- Cutting while too hot
- Using stale walnuts
Nutritional Benefits of Dates and Walnuts
Dates provide fiber and natural sugars for energy. Walnuts are packed with healthy fats and omega-3s. So yes, it’s indulgent, but it’s also nourishing.
For another quick-bread style variation, try Sourdough Discard Apple Bread, which uses a similar fold-and-bake technique.
Sourdough Dates Walnut Cake Loaf
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups or kitchen scale
- Wire cooling rack
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 150 g dates chopped
- 240 g hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 90 g unsalted butter melted
- 90 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 g sourdough discard ½ cup
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g baking powder
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 120 g walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl. Pour hot water over them and stir in baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sourdough discard until fully combined.
- Add the softened date mixture (including liquid) to the batter and mix gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder and chopped walnuts.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
FAQs
How do I keep walnuts from sinking in the loaf?
Toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. Also, avoid thinning the batter too much. A thicker batter suspends nuts evenly, which keeps them distributed throughout the loaf instead of settling at the bottom.
Can I substitute walnuts?
Absolutely. Pecans or almonds work well.
Can I freeze Sourdough dates walnut cake loaf?
Yes. Slice the loaf completely after cooling. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, toast directly from frozen or let slices thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
Why soak dates in hot water before baking?
Soaking dates softens them quickly and releases natural sugars. Adding baking soda helps break down fibers, which allows the dates to blend smoothly into the batter. As a result, your Sourdough dates walnut cake loaf stays moist and evenly sweet throughout.
Can I reduce the sugar in dates walnut cake?
Yes. Dates already provide sweetness, so you can slightly reduce brown sugar.
The Sourdough Dates Walnut Cake Loaf is more than just a way to use sourdough discard. It’s a moist, flavorful, comforting loaf that brings together caramel-sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and subtle sourdough depth.
It’s the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with warmth. The kind you slice thick and savor slowly. And once you make it? You’ll never look at sourdough discard the same way again.
