There’s a special charm to baking an old-fashioned date nut bread recipe that brings back warm, comforting memories. This bread is packed with the natural sweetness of dates and the earthy crunch of nuts, making it a delightful snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic bake or a delicious accompaniment to your morning coffee, this date and nut bread recipe is a classic worth trying. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet its flavor profile is rich and sophisticated, appealing to all ages.
Date and Nut Bread Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes1
hour250
kcalIndulge in this date and nut bread recipe that brings you the rich, warm flavors of dates and crunchy nuts. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, this old-fashioned date nut bread recipe offers a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Serve it fresh out of the oven, or toast it with a smear of butter for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
1 cup (150g) chopped dates
3/4 cup (180ml) boiling water
1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- Soak the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Create the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in the soaked dates (along with any leftover water), nuts, and vanilla extract.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage Tip: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk (add 1 tablespoon vinegar to curdle it), use a flax egg, and replace butter with coconut oil.
Tips for the perfect Date and Nut Bread Recipe
- Use Fresh Dates: Fresh dates give a richer and more natural sweetness. Avoid pre-chopped dates as they may be too dry.
- Toast the Nuts: For added flavor, lightly toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid a dense bread.
Recipe Variants
- Date and Banana Nut Bread: Replace half of the buttermilk with mashed ripe banana for an extra moist and fruity twist.
- Spiced Date Nut Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
FAQ
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Make sure not to overbake it, and always measure ingredients accurately. Adding extra moisture (like mashed banana or applesauce) can help.
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
This date and nut bread recipe is more than just a snack; it’s a bite of nostalgia that brings comfort and warmth to any day. With simple, natural ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s easy to whip up this old-fashioned date nut bread recipe whenever you crave something sweet, nutty, and heartwarming. Try it with a cup of tea or coffee. And you’ll see why this recipe has stood the test of time.
For more bread recipes for your breakfast or brunch, check out the Blueberry Banana Nut Bread, Cinnamon Bread Recipe, and the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe!
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