date nut bread invites you into a cozy kitchen where the scent of cinnamon and orange zest mingles with caramelized dates and crunchy walnuts. Each slice feels like a warm hug, perfect for lazy mornings or afternoon tea. We whisk together ripe dates, golden brown sugar, a sparkle of ground cinnamon, and a splash of fresh orange juice before folding in toasty nuts. Baked until golden, the loaf emerges with a crackling top and tender crumb, ready to be slathered with creamy butter or drizzled with honey. Get ready to share smiles and sweet moments one slice at a time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This date nut bread
- It’s a delightful blend of sweet dates and crunchy nuts.
- Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
- Packed with fiber and nutrients for a healthy boost.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Fills your home with an irresistible aroma while baking.
date nut bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
- In a small bowl, place the chopped dates. Sprinkle them with baking soda and pour hot water over them. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes, then mash it lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. This will be your dry mixture.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
- Gently fold the date mixture into the wet ingredients, making sure everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts for that extra crunch and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade date nut bread!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients for your homemade date nut bread!
- 1 cup chopped dates – for natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bread rise
- 1/4 cup hot water – to soften the dates
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the main base
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – gives additional lift
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for a warm spice note
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and rich flavor
- 1/2 cup melted butter – for richness
- 2 large eggs – binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for added depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts – for crunch and nuttiness
How to Make Date Nut Bread
This delightful date nut bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 50–60 minutes, you’ll have a warm, homemade treat ready to enjoy. Allow for an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before slicing into this delicious loaf!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Dates
In a small bowl, place the chopped dates. Sprinkle them with baking soda and pour hot water over them. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes, then mash it lightly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. This will be your dry mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
Step 6: Fold in Dates
Gently fold the date mixture into the wet ingredients, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 7: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 8: Add Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts for that extra crunch and flavor.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade date nut bread!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Breakfast |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 85 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Warm with butter |
Pro Tips for Making Date Nut Bread
- Choose fresh, pitted dates for the best flavor.
- Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay for a tender loaf.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
How to Serve this date nut bread
- Spread a layer of cream cheese for a rich, tangy contrast.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for a cozy treat.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Enjoy as a breakfast toast topped with sliced bananas or berries.
- Slice and serve with a side of yogurt for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your date nut bread for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the bread to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap, then in foil.
- Label with the date and type of bread.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the bread in foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- For individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is date nut bread healthy?
Yes, date nut bread can be a healthy option! It is made with wholesome ingredients like dates, nuts, and whole grains, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dates are naturally sweet and can reduce the need for added sugars, while nuts add healthy fats and protein. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as it can be calorie-dense due to the nuts and dates.
2. Where did date nut bread originate?
Date nut bread has its roots in the United States, particularly popularized in the early 20th century. It became a staple in American kitchens, especially during the holiday season. The combination of dates and nuts reflects the influence of various culinary traditions, making it a beloved recipe across many households.
3. How long does date nut bread last?
When stored properly, date nut bread can last for about a week at room temperature. To extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks or freeze it for several months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge or freezer.
4. What ingredients are typically in date nut bread?
Date nut bread is typically made with dates, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), flour, baking soda, salt, and often includes eggs and a sweetener like brown sugar or honey. Some recipes may also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. You can customize it by adding ingredients like oats or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making date nut bread, it’s time to savor every delicious bite! This simple yet rewarding recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and let the sweet aroma fill your home. Happy baking!