Easy Spiced Date & Walnut Cake

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1. 1Step 1: Pre-heat your oven to 350F.
2. 2Step 2: Start by pitting the dates and roughly chopping them. You should use approximately 350g of dates in order to ensure a good ratio in the cake.
3. 3Step 3: Meanwhile, place the milk in a small saucepan and heat it until just before boiling.
4. 4Step 4: Add the dates to a bowl along with the baking soda, and cover them with the hot milk. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the batter.
5. 5Step 5: In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer, until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, and continue to beat until incorporated.
6. 6Step 6: Mix your dry ingredients, except for the walnuts, together in a bowl using a whisk.
7. 7Step 7: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 2 portions, and continue to mix well until well combined. The batter will look quite thick at this point.
8. 8Step 8: Mash the dates with a potato masher or using a fork until the dates start to soften and form a paste. Its okay if some date chunks remain.
9. 9Step 9: Add the dates and milk mixture into the batter and mix until just combined. Add the walnuts and incorporate into the batter.
10. 10Step 10: Grease a standard 10" round Bundt pan with butter, then dust it with flour all around, ensuring you get the edges. It helps to tap it against the counter.
11. 11Step 11: Add the batter to the pan and smooth it out evenly.
12. 12Step 12: Bake the cake for approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven. You should start checking your cake at the 35 minute mark. Check the cake by inserting a knife or toothpick in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, you can remove the cake from the oven. Otherwise, continue to bake.
13. 13Step 13: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then flip it onto a cake stand.
14. 14Step 14: If using the date molasses glaze, mix together the condensed milk with the molasses until well combined. Drizzle it over the cake before serving.
15. 15Step 15: If using the butter glaze, prepare the glaze just before serving by melting the butter in a saucepan, then whisking it with the sugar and cream until combined. Bring to a boil then simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes (it will thicken as it cools).
16. 16Step 16: Add the glaze to the cake and sprinkle it with chopped walnuts. Enjoy!