A Moist Date and Walnut Loaf Recipe | Easy Classic Tea Cake

Ingredients

• 250g packet pitted dates (1 1⁄2 cups), halved
• 3⁄4 cup hot black tea
• 75g unsalted butter, finely chopped
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1⁄2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• Spreadable butter, to serve (optional)