![\"Walnut](\"https:\/\/www.tomgrimshaw.com\/tomsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Walnut_and_Date_Cake.jpg\")
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Tom: This looks and sounds pretty good. Might give it a try!<\/p>\n
This decadent Walnut Date Spice Cake combines the brain-boosting power of walnuts with naturally sweet dates for a dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Each slice delivers a perfect balance of warm spices and omega-3 rich walnuts, offering a guilt-free indulgence that supports cognitive function while satisfying your sweet tooth.<\/p>\n
Servings: 12 slices<\/p>\n
Ingredients:<\/p>\n
For the Date Paste:
\n2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 20-24 dates)
\n1 cup hot water
\n1 teaspoon vanilla extract<\/p>\n
For the Cake:
\n2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
\n1 cup finely chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
\n2 teaspoons baking powder
\n1 teaspoon baking soda
\n2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
\n1\/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
\n1\/4 teaspoon ground cloves
\n1\/2 teaspoon salt
\n1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
\n1\/3 cup applesauce
\n2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax eggs)
\n1\/4 cup avocado oil<\/p>\n
For the Frosting (optional):
\n1 cup soaked cashews (soaked 4+ hours)
\n1\/4 cup date paste (reserved from above)
\n2 tablespoons lemon juice
\n1 teaspoon vanilla extract
\n2-3 tablespoons plant milk, as needed<\/p>\n
Instructions:
\nSoak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1\/4 cup of the soaking water. Blend dates with the reserved water and vanilla until smooth.
\nPreheat the oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
\nIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
\nIn another bowl, mix 1 1\/2 cups of the date paste, plant milk, applesauce, flax eggs, and avocado oil.
\nFold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
\nPour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional walnuts on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
\nLet the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
\nTo make the frosting, blend the soaked cashews, reserved date paste, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Add plant milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
\nOnce the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting on top and garnish with additional walnuts.<\/p>\n