This sweet and moist chocolate date cake is a dream come true for chocoholics with its rich chocolate flavor and soft texture. The crunchy surprise from the walnuts and chocolate chips on top makes it irresistible.
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Incredibly moist
When a title includes chocolate, dates and cake, it immediately wins my heart-like, five minutes ago.
This is a rich chocolate cake. Unique, soft, tender, and different. It's what I always thought a chocolate date cake should be.
An ordinary-looking square of chocolate cake with some nuts and chips on top.
You should know that this recipe's combination of chocolate and dates is a complete synergy-much more than the sum of its parts.
I love chocolate cakes in general. But those with unique ingredients have a special place, like the chocolate potato cake or the chocolate Guinness cream cake.
What our readers say
I took the cake to work, and everyone loved it. You can't go wrong with this one. I will definitely make it again-next time for the in-laws.
- Jen
Amazing and super moist, with a surprising topping. A star recipe, will definitely make it again for special occasions. Thank you for sharing.
- Linda
Ingredient Notes
Quantities are listed on the recipe card towards the end of this post. The Ingredients page has more details and lists the brands we use.
- Cocoa powder: always use unsweetened.
- Chocolate chips: use your favorite semisweet chip.
- Medjool dates: they're soft and plump and fantastic for this cake. I've tried other types but they didn't quite work.
- Baking soda: make sure it isn't expired.
About Medjool dates
They're large, soft, fleshy and just plain wonderful. They are brown, wrinkled and slightly unappealing, but don't let their appearance fool you.
What do they taste like? It's hard to pin. It's sweet and toffee-like, with some smoky undertones. Sometimes, it reminds me of maple syrup.
Their natural sweetness makes them popular for vegan recipes or those without refined sugar.
Steps to make chocolate date cake
- Chopping the dates can be tricky, as they often stick to the knife. Chilling them first can make this task easier. If you're considering using a food processor and making a date paste, I suggest you do so with water. Otherwise, they will stick like crazy, and you won't get far. At least, that's my experience.
- Date pieces: If you manage to chop them very small, you will get a smoother crumb with a mysterious bite. Probably no one will guess what the secret ingredient is, as they will meld together and the crumb simply looks like an incredibly moist chocolate cake. Though larger chunks will be more noticeable, the cake is just as fantastic.
- Sift the dry ingredients. It's an important step, especially when you use cocoa powder which can clump during storage.
- Date mixture: Hydrating the date chunks in baking soda neutralizes the acids and tannins left in the dates, so don't skip this step.
- The cake batter is thick before adding the date mixture. When all the ingredients are incorporated, it will loosen up and turn silkier.
- The final batter looks like a regular chocolate cake with add-ins, and the dates will be more noticeable depending on the size of the chunks.
- Walnuts and dark chocolate chips are sprinkled on top of the cake halfway through baking and stay crunchy after it is cooled and chilled.
Kitchen notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, equipment, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: Keep in mind that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look the same or very similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as it can be, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer placed inside the oven (like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend you keep track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- Use Medjool dates; they are superior for this recipe. They are sticky, and you need to chop them. Use a large kitchen knife, and don't worry if you have some chunks; they add texture to the cake. If you want them finely chopped, you will need patience, as you'll constantly have to clean the knife.
- Chocolate: use semi-sweet chips (a good brand) or chop a 60% (or more) chocolate bar into chunks. It makes a difference if you use good chocolate.
- Baking: the recipe calls for baking them in two parts, without the topping first and after adding the walnuts and chips. This will prevent them from burning during baking. But you can add the topping from the beginning. I think it's better to do it halfway. However, do not open the oven before 20 minutes have passed; this will ensure that the cake has that necessary first oven rise.
- Pan size: you can half the recipe and use a smaller pan. This makes a lot of servings and travels well, so keep that in mind when making desserts for barbecues, picnics and all of those wonderful summer gatherings.
- Cupcakes: be careful not to overbake them. Don't add any other topping or frosting. They are fabulous as they are. Halve the recipe unless you want to make a lot of small cakes. This is a large recipe.
- Topping variation: Use pecans instead of walnuts. If you want a sweeter cake, use part-milk chocolate chips to replace some of the semisweet ones.
- Brown sugar: you can use half white and half brown for a moister crumb with a caramel tone.
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Chocolate Chip Date Cake
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Sweet, moist, and full of chocolate flavor, this date cake is a dream come true for chocoholics with its rich cocoa flavor and soft texture. The crunchy surprise from the walnuts and chocolate chips on top makes it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the dates:
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 cups Medjool dates, about 16 ounces, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts, very coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF (170ºC).
- Butter and flour a 9- by 13-inch (22x33 cm) and set aside.
- Bring 1 ½ cups water to a boil. Put 2 cups Medjool dates and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the boiling water and set aside until needed.
- Sift 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, remaining ¾ teaspoons baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt over a bowl and set aside.
- Beat ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) at medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat on high for 1 minute, add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat an additional 2 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add the sifted dry mixture and beat on low until well combined.
- Add the cooled date mixture (water and all) and continue to beat for 30 seconds. Remove the mixer and thoroughly combine with a spatula.
- Pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly, including corners.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the cake starts to dry and rise.
- Take out of the oven, quickly sprinkle 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips on top, then 1 cup walnuts and return to the oven to bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remember you have the chocolate chips on top, not to confuse with uncooked batter.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- I like eating it the next day because it tastes much better. I like to refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes before serving to firm it up, but the chips and walnuts harden, as a reader commented, so she prefers not to. Your choice.
Notes
Dates: use Medjool if you can, they are superior for this recipe. You need to chop them and they are sticky. Use a large kitchen knife and don't worry if you have some chunks, they add texture to the cake. If you want them finely chopped you will need patience as you'll constantly have to clean the knife.
Chocolate: use semi-sweet chips (a good brand) or chop a 60% (or more) chocolate bar. It makes a difference if you use good chocolate.
Baking: the recipe calls for baking them in two parts, without the topping first and then after adding the walnuts and chips. This will ensure that they don't burn during baking (image below). But you can add the topping from the beginning. I think it's better to do it halfway. But do take into account not opening the oven before 20 minutes have passed; this will ensure the cake has that necessary first oven rise.
Pan size: you can half the recipe and use a smaller pan. This makes a lot of servings and travels well, so keep that in mind when making desserts for barbecues, picnics and all of those wonderful summer gatherings.
Variation: you can make cupcakes or individual cakes. Be careful not to overbake them. Don't add any other topping to serve them, they are fabulous as they are. Halve the recipe unless you want to make a lot of small cakes. This is a large recipe.
Did you try this recipe?Mention @vintagekitchennotes or tag #vintagekitchenrecipe on Instagram and I'll share it!
Adapted from Death by Chocolate, by Marcel Desaulniers
Karen Madge says
I use scissors to chop dates finely
Cut lengthwise first then into small pieces. Dip the scissors into hot water from time to time
Paula Montenegro says
Thanks for the tip Karen! Much appreciated.
Teresa says
Can I use date paste instead of whole dates for this recipe? And what would be the measurement?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Teresa, I've never used date paste, so I'm not talking from experience. From what I read it's made from dates and water. If you want to try, I suggest using 2 cups of unsweetened date paste.
Zubaidah says
Hi I would like to ask about the method., when you add the chopped dates that has been soaked, only the dates or together with the liquid
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Zubaidah, add the dates together with the liquid.
M says
Perfection. My mother made a version of this when I was a kid, and it was always a favorite. We served it to guests last night and they begged for the recipe.
Carole says
I will be making this tomorow for my husband's birthday (his mom used to make a chocolate date cake when he was young but she is no longer alive and the recipe has been lost). Regarding the quantity of dates, you indicate 2 cups but then in parenthesis it's written 8 oz. which equals 1 cup, 2 cups would be 16 oz. Which is the correct amount please?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Carole! It's 8oz per cup. There was a Note explaining it, but I changed it in the recipe card so it's less confusing. Thanks for the heads up. Happy baking!
Carole says
Thank you, will let you know how it turns out.
Carole says
It turned out great and was a hit with everyone. I added some ground cardamom as we’re big fans of it with chocolate.
Paula Montenegro says
So glad to hear that Carole! That's really interesting, the cardamom addition. Will keep it in mind for the next time. Have a great week!
Rena says
Just an FYI, the proper name of these is Polka Daters (like polka dots). It originated in the early 60’s. My Mom made them and I’ve followed in her footsteps, it’s the fan favorite here in Dubai where we have dates at all times.
mstefan says
What else do you do with dates? Which varieties? thanks.
Paula Montenegro says
There is another recipe in this blog for a date loaf. I always use Medjool dates.
Rasshme says
Perfect soft and yummy cake
Paula Montenegro says
Thanks Rasshme!
Barbara says
Can you make this a day or more ahead?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Barbara! Yes, you can make it a two or three days ahead and it keeps well at room temperature, well wrapped. If you want to make it several days or weeks ahead, you can freeze it, well wrapped, for a month.
Katie B says
Hi, this recipe looks amazing and I am excited to try, as I love chocolate AND dates! I wanted to clarify, after pre-soaking the dates in the hot water, do you drain them before adding to the batter? Or do you add the water as well to the batter?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Katie, you don't drain it, add it with the water.
Katie B says
Thank you
Sue Crook says
Changed it a little bit, by adding a tsp of coffee essence to the date mixture and by adding a mixture of granulated and Demerara sugar. Also, baked it in two round tins and then sandwiched it together with whipped cream which absorbed a bit of the sweetness. It was delicious.
Paula Montenegro says
Glad you liked it Sue! I love the addition of coffee extract and will definitely try it next time I make this cake. Have a great week!
Linda Dube says
amazing, super moist, with surprising topping. I made 12 cupcakes, so pretty. Star recipe, will definitely make again for special occasions. Thank you for sharing.
Paula Montenegro says
So happy to hear this Linda! I love the idea of cupcakes, never made it that way. Have a great year!
Dee says
Lovely recipe but missing the info on how much water to add to the dates! I think this affects the moisture of the cake so really important to know.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Dee, the info is not missing.
I don't quite understand what you're asking because the amount of water is in the ingredients and it says to boil and add to the dates in the instructions.
Sana says
Can I replace the butter and sugar w honey and coconut oil?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sana, I have no idea how it will turn out as I only made it according to the recipe posted.
Sue McGrath says
Hi, my pan is in the oven right now! You mention it all goes in at once, which I did, but the directions indicate baking 20 min, then adding the chips and nuts and continue baking. Hope mine turns out! Thanks...
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sue! The directions in the recipe card and process shot in the post body talk about adding them halfway as chips and walnuts can color too much or sometimes slightly burn in places if baked for too long. I do add in the Kitchen Notes section that adding them from the beginning is possible, but there is a chance they'll color too much. How did it turn out?
Sue McGrath says
They turned out very well! I did use mini chips instead of regular size, so it's kind of solid chocolate on top, so will probably use regular next time. Also may try blending some of the chips in the batter, then garnish with the rest on top. Love the crunch of the walnuts on top!
Would you go by weight of 16 oz for the dates rather than 2 cups? Looked like more than 2 cups. Settled on 14 oz.
My late mom's recipe for these calls for 1 c dates and cup of shortening. Love that your recipe uses half the fat and more dates.
Do you have a temp that the center should be when done? Thanks!
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sue, so happy to know it turned out well! The weight depends on how the dates are chopped and packed, so it's never completely accurate. Did you like it with 14 ounces or felt it needed more moisture? That's the best way to know if you'd be better increasing the amount slightly in the future or not.
I don't really use temperature or thermometers for cakes, just touch and a cake tester.
Rakhi says
How can I make it without the sugar. As in I don’t want any sugar only dates
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Rakhi, I never tried it without sugar. I wouldn't recommend it.
Sarah Pont says
If you halve this recipe and bake in 8x8 pan, how long should you bake it before putting on the topping? And how long should you bake it total? Thanks!
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sarah, I'd say 15 minutes. And about 15 minutes after that, until a tester comes out clean.
Jen says
I made this cake it IS very moist. The topping of the gooey choc chips and walnuts were so good - they made the cake Extra. After refrigeration, the choc chips get too hard to cut through nicely so if eating a slice, it's best to microwave it a little or pop the whole cake in the oven for a short time before serving. Took the cake to work and everyone loved it. Can't go wrong with this one. Will definitely make it again - next time for the in laws.
Paula Montenegro says
SO glad you liked it Jen! You're right about heating it a bit after refrigeration. Have a great week!
Harry says
Hi
I have been since long looking for this recipeIs it a recipe without baking powder? How much butter is needed in terms of a cup?
I want to try it asap
Thank u
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Harry, it only uses baking soda.
It's 1/2 a cup of unsalted butter.
Cheers!
Della-Marie Caccamo says
Hi Paula,
I'm somewhat confused by the wording in the directions...
"Sprinkle chocolate chips and walnuts, then the walnuts and return to the oven to bake for another 20 to 25 more minutes, until a tester inserted in center comes out clean."
Is it baked for a period of time before the walnuts are sprinkled on top? If so, for how long?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi! You're right. You should sprinkle the choco chips then the walnuts. Thanks for the heads-up on that. As for the baking, it all goes together into the oven once. No baking before adding the chips and nuts.
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Oh my! I need this now. I am a chocolate lover and this cake has me drooling!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I don't mind some chunky dates in the batter either, Paula. The chocolate cake looks amazing!
Paula Montenegro says
Thanks Angie!