Print

Easy, Moist, Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

Two thick, moist slices of date nut bread featuring visible raisins and walnuts, served on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake a truly comforting, moist date nut bread loaf. This old-fashioned quick bread recipe is simple to follow and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or holiday gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup packed, pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Place the chopped dates in a small 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 brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a moist texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the date mixture (including any remaining liquid).
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts over the top for a nice crust.
  9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
  10. Let the date nut bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the moistest loaf, make sure you include all the liquid from the date soaking step.
  • You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier, wholesome snack bread.
  • This classic quick bread freezes well once completely cooled; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
  • If you prefer a sweeter glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/easy-moist-date-nut-bread-home/