Preheat the oven

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare the loaf tin.

Soak the dates

• Place the pitted dates and warm milk in a bowl.
• Leave aside until the dates are soft.

Blend the dates

• Blend the softened dates with the milk until smooth.

Make the batter

• Add the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and eggs to the blended date mixture.
• Mix until just combined into a smooth batter.

Fill the tin

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and spread it evenly.
• Scatter the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips over the top.

Bake the cake

• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Leave to cool slightly in the tin before slicing.