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–+ servings
Date Bread
Date Bread is a warmly spiced, subtly sweet loaf that brings together chopped dates, walnuts, and brown sugar for a rich and moist texture. Often enjoyed with coffee or tea, this comforting quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or gifting. The use of hot water and baking soda helps soften the dates and gives the bread a tender crumb, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. This recipe reflects the mid-century American trend of baking with dried fruits and nuts, both practical and deeply flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 286 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup dates (chopped )
  • ½ cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda ( dissolved in hot water)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Chop dates and walnuts. Dissolve baking soda in 2 tbsp hot water. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the butter and mix until smooth. Stir in the milk and dissolved baking soda.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Add dates, walnuts, and brown sugar to the wet mixture. Stir to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Let sit 5–10 minutes to rise slightly.
  • Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  • Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack. Slice and serve warm or cooled.

Tips

  • Chop dates finely for more even distribution throughout the loaf
  • Toast walnuts before adding for deeper flavor
  • Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired
  • Serve lightly buttered or with cream cheese
  • Excellent with coffee or afternoon tea
  • Wrap tightly—flavor improves the next day
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
  • Freeze slices individually for easy snacks
  • Reduce sugar slightly if dates are very sweet

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 2mg
Keyword date bread, moist loaf, old fashioned, pantry baking, quick bread, tea bread, vintage baking
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