Description
This Classic Date Nut Bread Recipe is a rich and moist quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the satisfying crunch of nuts. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients and yields a tender, flavorful bread that pairs delightfully with coffee, tea, or spreads like butter and cream cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (or oil as preferred)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or substitute with nuts/seeds if preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Chop the dates into small, bite-sized pieces. Soak them in warm water or tea for about 10 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt for uniform rising.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or buttermilk.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Add Dates and Nuts: Fold in the softened chopped dates and chopped walnuts carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Notes
- Soaking the dates prevents them from drawing moisture from the batter, keeping the bread moist.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light, tender crumb.
- Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking temperature to achieve the best rise and texture.
- Test the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick to avoid overbaking and drying it out.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling and to let flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: date nut bread, classic bread recipe, moist quick bread, date bread, nut bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe