A rich, golden sponge infused with spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dates, this Toffee Apple Date and Walnut Cake is the perfect indulgence for any occasion. The comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complements the natural sweetness of apples and dates, while walnuts add a delightful crunch. Drizzled with a buttery, sticky toffee sauce, this cake is a treat for the senses.
This dessert is a fantastic choice for fall and winter gatherings, cozy tea-time treats, or even as a homemade gift. Whether enjoyed warm with extra toffee sauce or served with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake delivers a balance of textures and flavors that make it absolutely irresistible.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (1 cup) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250g (2 cups) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 100g (3/4 cup) walnuts, chopped
- 100g (3/4 cup) dates, pitted and chopped
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 150ml (2/3 cup) double cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped walnuts, and dates until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the toffee sauce by heating brown sugar, butter, and double cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in salt.
- Drizzle the warm toffee sauce over the cooled cake before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Toffee Apple Date and Walnut Cake: A Rich and Indulgent Classic
This Toffee Apple Date and Walnut Cake is a warm and comforting dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of apples and dates, the crunch of walnuts, and the deep caramel flavor of homemade toffee sauce. With a tender and moist crumb, this cake is an excellent choice for fall and winter baking, but it’s also a timeless classic that can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether served as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea, as a festive holiday dessert, or as a homemade gift, this cake delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweet and sticky toffee sauce drizzled over the top enhances its richness, making each bite utterly irresistible.
The Story Behind This Cake
The combination of apples, nuts, and caramel-like flavors dates back centuries, particularly in European and British baking traditions. Traditional sticky toffee pudding and spiced apple cakes share similarities with this recipe, as they all incorporate warming spices and deeply flavorful ingredients.
Apples have long been a staple in desserts due to their natural juiciness and tart-sweet balance. Paired with dates, which have been prized in Middle Eastern cuisine for their intense sweetness, and walnuts, which add an earthy, buttery contrast, this cake is truly an elevated version of a simple fruit cake.
The toffee sauce is what makes this cake stand out. Unlike regular caramel, which is made by melting sugar, toffee sauce incorporates butter and cream, creating a silky, buttery drizzle that soaks beautifully into the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful.
This recipe is perfect for celebrations, cozy family gatherings, or just as a weekend baking project to enjoy a rich, comforting treat.
Why This Recipe is the Best Choice
✅ Moist and Flavorful
Thanks to the natural sweetness of dates and the juiciness of apples, this cake remains moist and soft. The walnuts add a crunchy contrast, making every bite enjoyable.
✅ Easy to Make
Even though this cake looks and tastes like a fancy bakery dessert, it’s incredibly simple to bake at home with everyday ingredients.
✅ Perfect for Fall & Winter
With cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel flavors, this cake has all the cozy elements of fall and winter desserts.
✅ Delicious with or Without Toffee Sauce
While the buttery toffee sauce makes it indulgent, the cake itself is delicious even on its own, making it versatile for any occasion.
✅ Great for Gifting or Sharing
This cake stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it a wonderful homemade gift for family, friends, or holiday celebrations.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Softer apples can make the cake mushy.
- Dates: Adds natural caramel-like sweetness. If dates are unavailable, you can substitute them with raisins or chopped dried figs.
- Walnuts: Bring crunch and an earthy flavor. If preferred, replace with pecans or almonds, or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a deeper molasses-like flavor compared to white sugar, making the cake richer.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Enhance the warmth of the cake. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for more spice depth.
- Toffee Sauce: This is optional, but highly recommended. If you’d like a lighter alternative, you can drizzle the cake with honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by creaming together butter and brown sugar, which creates an airy texture. Add eggs one by one, followed by vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Fold in the dry ingredients gently, alternating with milk for a smooth consistency. Finally, stir in the chopped apples, walnuts, and dates, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Sauce
Heat brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring. Once the mixture starts to thicken and bubble slightly, remove from heat and stir in a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Drizzle the warm toffee sauce over the cake and let it soak in for a few minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✅ Super Moist & Flavorful – The apples and dates naturally sweeten the cake while also keeping it incredibly soft and tender.
✅ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques are needed! Just mix, bake, and drizzle with toffee sauce.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a cozy dessert, an afternoon tea cake, or even as a homemade gift.
✅ Naturally Sweetened with Fruits – The dates and apples help reduce the need for excessive sugar, making this cake a slightly healthier choice.
✅ Warm Spices for Cozy Flavors – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar gives this cake a rich, warming taste that makes it perfect for fall and winter baking.
✅ Pairs Well with Coffee or Tea – This cake is delicious on its own but even better when paired with a cup of chai tea, espresso, or spiced cider.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
This cake features a few simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create its signature taste and texture:
🍏 Apples
- Bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Packed with fiber and antioxidants, making this a healthier dessert choice.
- Best apple varieties to use: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji.
🌰 Walnuts
- Provide a delicious crunchy texture and earthy, nutty taste.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and heart-healthy fats.
🍯 Dates
- Naturally sweet and sticky, making them a great alternative to processed sugar.
- High in fiber and essential minerals like potassium.
- Give the cake a dense, moist texture similar to traditional sticky toffee pudding.
🥄 Toffee Sauce
- Made from butter, brown sugar, and cream, giving it a rich, buttery caramel flavor.
- Poured over the cake for a gorgeous glossy finish.
Baking Tips & Tricks for the Best Cake
1️⃣ Use Fresh Apples – Soft, overripe apples can make the cake too wet, while fresh apples add the right balance of moisture and texture.
2️⃣ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Chop the Dates Finely – This helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter, giving every bite a rich caramel-like sweetness.
4️⃣ Let the Cake Cool Before Adding Toffee Sauce – Pouring the sauce on too soon can make it soak in too much. Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle for the perfect sticky finish.
5️⃣ Toast the Walnuts – Lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter brings out their deep, nutty flavor.
Best Ways to Serve This Cake
📌 Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream – The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is irresistible!
📌 Drizzled with Extra Toffee Sauce – If you love caramel flavors, serve it with an extra side of warm toffee sauce.
📌 Paired with Tea or Coffee – Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of chai, cappuccino, or spiced cider.
📌 Topped with Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lovely balance to the rich flavors.
📌 With Fresh Apples or Berries – Serve with a side of sliced apples, pears, or fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🧊 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🧊 Refrigeration: If making ahead, wrap the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm before serving for the best texture.
🧊 Freezing: The cake (without toffee sauce) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before adding sauce.
🧊 Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and drizzle with fresh toffee sauce before serving.
Fun Variations of This Recipe
🍂 Vegan Version:
- Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Replace dairy cream with coconut cream for the toffee sauce.
🍫 Chocolate Lover’s Twist:
- Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter.
🍊 Citrus Infusion:
- Add zest of 1 orange to the batter for a fresh, citrusy note.
🥕 Apple-Carrot Hybrid:
- Swap half the apples for grated carrots for a twist on carrot cake.
🥃 Boozy Version:
- Soak the dates in spiced rum or brandy for an extra indulgent touch.
🌰 Nut-Free Alternative:
- Omit the walnuts and replace with extra apples or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Conclusion
This Toffee Apple Date and Walnut Cake is more than just a cake—it’s a warm, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying dessert that brings comfort in every bite.
The combination of soft apples, sticky dates, crunchy walnuts, and buttery toffee sauce creates a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with a hot drink or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect for fall, winter, or any special occasion, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!