Date Nut Bread

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Date Nut Bread

This beautifully aromatic Date Nut Bread brings together the natural sweetness of tender dates, the warm comfort of Mediterranean spices, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It is the kind of classic quick bread that feels timeless, yet wholesome and nourishing enough to enjoy any day of the week. Every slice is moist, gently spiced, and dotted with caramel-like bits of softened dates that melt into the crumb.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. The batter comes together in minutes, and the loaf bakes into a dense yet soft texture without the need for butter. Instead, a small amount of extra virgin olive oil enriches the bread and gives it a pleasantly fruity undertone. Most of the sweetness comes naturally from the dates, balanced with just a touch of honey and brown sugar. It is a wonderful treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy weekend moment with a warm drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet and Fiber-Rich
Dates provide most of the sweetness while adding moisture, texture, and valuable fiber. The result is a loaf that feels indulgent but doesn’t rely heavily on refined sugar.

Deep, Warm Flavor
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth and aroma, turning each slice into a comforting bite filled with cozy spices.

Easy to Make
This is a straightforward quick bread recipe with no complicated techniques. If you can stir a batter, you can bake this loaf.

Perfect for Storing and Freezing
This bread keeps its moisture for several days and freezes exceptionally well. It is ideal for meal prep or for keeping on hand for unexpected guests.

Ingredients

For the Date Mixture:

  • 2 cups chopped pitted dates (Medjool recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee, hot black tea, or hot water

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups white whole wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large egg

Add-In:

  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

How to Make Date Nut Bread

1. Prepare the loaf pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly brush an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Soften the dates

Place the chopped dates in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the baking soda over the top. Pour the hot coffee, tea, or water over the dates. Allow the mixture to stand for about 15 minutes. This step helps soften the dates so they blend beautifully into the batter and creates pockets of rich, caramel-like sweetness in the finished bread.

3. Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until the mixture is evenly combined.

4. Combine the wet ingredients

To the bowl of softened dates, add the brown sugar, honey, olive oil, and the egg. Whisk until everything is incorporated.

5. Finish the batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the toasted walnuts. The batter will be thick and fragrant.

6. Bake the loaf

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Because the honey and dates promote browning, keep an eye on the top during the last 15 minutes. If it darkens too quickly, tent a piece of foil loosely over the loaf.

7. Cool and serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing to ensure a tender, clean crumb.

Best Flour Options

White whole wheat flour works especially well in this recipe because it provides a nutritious whole-grain base with a gentler flavor than traditional whole wheat flour. If you prefer, you may replace it with:

  • Whole wheat pastry flour
  • A blend of 50% all-purpose flour and 50% whole wheat flour
  • Your favorite gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a gluten-free loaf

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Date Nut Bread is versatile and adapts beautifully to many different flavors. Try one of the following variations:

Change the spice profile
Swap in ground ginger, cardamom, apple pie spice, pumpkin spice, or a blend of your favorites.

Add citrus
Fold in the zest of one orange for a bright aromatic lift.

Change the nuts
Replace walnuts with toasted pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Include other dried fruits
Add chopped dried figs, raisins, apricots, or a mix of your favorites.

Use different dates
Medjool dates offer rich, soft sweetness, while Deglet Noor dates lend a firmer bite. Either can be used successfully.

What to Serve with Date Nut Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but pairing it with something creamy makes each bite even more luxurious. Serve with:

  • Cream cheese
  • Labneh
  • Farmer’s cheese
  • Greek yogurt with a light drizzle of honey

A warm mug of coffee or black tea transforms this loaf into the perfect morning or afternoon treat.

 

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