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Easy, Moist, Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

Close-up of a moist slice of date nut bread showing rich brown color, studded with chopped dates and walnuts.
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Bake a comforting, moist date nut bread loaf using this straightforward recipe. This classic quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or holiday sharing.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup packed pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and stir in the baking soda. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the date-water mixture. The batter will be thin.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with extra chopped walnuts if desired.
  8. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For an extra moist loaf, ensure you let the dates soak completely in the hot water mixture. This hydrates them before baking.
  • This bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to three months.
  • If you prefer a sweeter glaze for gifting, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/easy-moist-old-fashioned-date-nut-bread/