There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Date Nut Bread wafting through the house. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, revealing its rich, caramel-like sweetness speckled with crunchy nuts. The perfect blend of flavors and textures dances on your palate, making every bite a delightful experience.
As the bread cools, you can almost hear it whispering sweet nothings, promising to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or even snack time to new heights of deliciousness. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my kitchen turned into a cozy haven filled with laughter and nostalgia as family gathered around to share stories over warm slices topped with butter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Date Nut Bread is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to shine.
- Its sweet flavor profile pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- The golden-brown crust and nutty interior make for an inviting presentation that impresses guests.
- This versatile bread can be enjoyed plain or with cream cheese for extra indulgence.
One day, while hosting a brunch, I served this Date Nut Bread and watched as my friends devoured it in seconds, asking for the recipe before they even finished their first slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Medjool Dates: Opt for soft, plump dates for maximum sweetness; pitted dates are a must for easy blending.
Walnuts: Freshly chopped walnuts add crunch; toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here; ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent is key for achieving that perfect rise; don’t skip it!
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor that complements the dates beautifully.
Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix better into your batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth and warmth; avoid imitation vanilla if possible.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your bread without making it salty.
Butter: Melted butter gives richness; substitute with oil if you want it dairy-free.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Date Nut Bread
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mash the Dates: In a mixing bowl, mash your Medjool dates until they form a thick paste. Their sweetness will fill the air like an aromatic hug.
Mix Wet Ingredients Together: In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. This mixture should look smooth and glossy before moving on.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your bread.
Add Wet to Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your bread tender and airy.
Add Dates and Walnuts: Stir in your mashed dates and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The smell at this point is irresistible!
Bake Until Perfectly Golden Brown: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
This Date Nut Bread is not only simple but also packed with wholesome goodness that’ll leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy this delightfully moist loaf warm from the oven or toasted with butter spread generously on top—your choice!
Content: When making Date Nut Bread, soak the dates for extra moisture. This adds a delightful texture and flavor burst in every slice. I learned this the hard way—my first loaf was drier than a desert!
Focus on fresh nuts: Use fresh, unsalted nuts to enhance the bread’s flavor and crunch. I once used old nuts, and let’s just say, the bread tasted like regret.
Let it cool completely: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to maintain its structure. I’ve jumped the gun before and ended up with a crumbly mess; patience is key!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan while you mix dry ingredients first. Then combine wet ingredients before folding them together gently for an even mixture without overworking the batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate flavor. You could also toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent—who doesn’t love chocolate?
Storing & Reheating
Store Date Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chop dates into smaller pieces; this ensures even distribution throughout your bread.
- Don’t skip greasing the pan; no one enjoys a stuck loaf!
- Remember that overmixing can lead to a dense bread; be gentle with your batter.
I remember baking this Date Nut Bread for my grandmother’s birthday. Her joy upon tasting it made all those little mishaps worth it!
FAQ
Can I use other fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dried apricots or raisins for varied flavors.
What type of flour works best for Date Nut Bread?
All-purpose flour is ideal, but whole wheat adds more fiber and nutrients.
How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when baked properly.
Date Nut Bread
Date Nut Bread is a delightful treat that fills your home with warmth and rich aromas. This easy-to-make loaf combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with crunchy walnuts, delivering a satisfying texture in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this bread can be enjoyed plain or slathered with butter or cream cheese. Whether you’re baking for yourself or hosting friends, this Date Nut Bread is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and mashed
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mash the Medjool dates in a bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a third bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients gently.
- Fold in mashed dates and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Soak dates in warm water for added moisture. Substitute walnuts with pecans or add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Ensure the bread cools completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
