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Date Nut Bread Recipe

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A moist and flavorful Date Nut Bread combining tender chopped dates soaked in boiling water with warm spices and crunchy walnuts, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Fruit

  • ¾ cup chopped pitted dates (4 oz or 110 grams, about 16 dates)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

Dairy & Eggs

  • 4 tablespoons butter (57 grams)
  • 1 large egg

Sweeteners & Flavorings

  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (188 grams)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Nuts

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (about 2 oz)

Instructions

  1. Soak Dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Allow the dates to soak and cool to room temperature for 30 minutes, which softens them and enhances their natural sweetness.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 2-pound (4.5 x 9.5 inch) loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and light brown sugar until well combined and smooth. Add the soaked date mixture including the soaking water, then stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For extra moistness, ensure the dates are fully soaked and softened before mixing into the batter.
  • If you prefer, substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free variation.
  • Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
  • The bread can be toasted before serving for a warm, crunchy texture.