Spiced Date and Walnut Cake

A classic flavor combination, which makes a very easy low fat, high-fiber cake.

 

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 1 cake

300g/ 11oz/ 2 ¾ cups wholemeal self-rising flour

10ml/ 2tsp mixed spice

150g/ 5 oz/ 1 cup chopped dates

50g/ 2oz/ ½ cup chopped walnuts

60ml/ 4 tbsp sunflower oil

115g/4oz/ ½ cup dark muscavado sugar

300ml/ ½ pint/ 1 ¼ cups skimmed milk

Walnut halves, to decorate

 

PROCEDURE:

1.       Preheat the oven to 180°C/ 350°F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with grease-proof paper.

2.       Sift together the flour and spice, adding back any bran from the sieve. Stir in the dates and walnuts.

3.       Mix the oil, sugar and milk, then stir evenly into the dry ingredients. Spoon into the prepared tin and arrange the walnut halves on top.

4.       Bake the cake in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Turn out the cake, remove the lining paper and leave to cool on a wire rack.

 

VARIATION:

Pecan nuts can be used in place of the walnuts in this cake.