Step 1

To Make the Date Coffee Cake

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the dates, hot coffee or espresso, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 5

Using a mixer beat the butter and sugars together.

Step 6

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Step 7

Strain date mixture and set dates aside. Add the liquid from the date mixture alternately with the flour mixture (about three times) to the ingredients in the bowl; ending with the liquid. Scrape bowl well and beat just til smooth.

Step 8

Fold in the dates and toasted walnuts.

Step 9

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray. Cut parchment paper to fit the bottom and sides of the pan and spray the parchment.

Step 10

Pour the batter into the greased and parchment paper-lined loaf pan.

Step 11

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 12

Cool for 20 minutes before removing from pan; peel off parchment and put on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 13

To Make the Coffee Glaze

Step 14

Combine the hot water with the dry espresso and stir until blended.

Step 15

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and espresso. If it needs to be thinner, add 1/2 tsp of hot water at a time to get desired consistency.

Step 16

Drizzle the Espresso glaze over the cooled bread and scatter the chopped walnuts on top. Let cool until the glaze sets before cutting.