Date cake (kaak tmar)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and butter a loaf tin.
2. Blend the dates with 100 ml of milk until you have a smooth purée.
3. In a bowl, beat the soft butter with the sugar until pale and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each.
5. Fold in the date purée, then the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, mixing just enough.
6. Add the remaining milk to get a soft, smooth batter, then the walnuts if using.
7. Pour into the tin and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a knife inserted comes out dry.
8. Let it cool slightly before turning out and slicing.