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The Best Moist Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread Recipe

Three thick slices of moist date nut bread, studded with visible walnuts, served on a white plate.
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Bake this classic date nut bread for an irresistibly tender crumb and rich, nostalgic flavor. This easy quick bread recipe uses a simple soaking method to guarantee moisture in every slice.

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 or pecans

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 sit for 15 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. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the softened date mixture (including any remaining liquid) and the chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 55 to 65 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 before slicing.

Notes

  • For the best results and a truly moist date loaf, do not skip soaking the dates in hot water with baking soda; this softens them and helps create a tender crumb.
  • You can substitute pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
  • Serve this homemade date bread warm with butter for a comforting breakfast treat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/best-moist-date-nut-bread-recipe/