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Easy, Moist, Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

Close-up of a moist slice of dark date nut bread packed with visible walnuts and dried fruit pieces.
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Bake a comforting, moist date nut bread loaf using this simple, old-fashioned quick bread recipe. It delivers classic, rich flavor perfect for breakfast or holiday snacking.

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 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°F (175°C). 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 light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the softened date mixture (including all the liquid) and the chopped walnuts.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts over the top, if desired.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm with butter for the best flavor.

Notes

  • Soaking the dates in hot water with baking soda helps them soften completely, which is key to a moist crumb in this quick bread.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • This homemade date nut bread freezes well once cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/easy-moist-date-nut-bread-recipe/