Date Nut Bread

There’s something timeless about Date Nut Bread. It’s a cozy, satisfying loaf that’s naturally sweetened by the dates, with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts. This recipe reminds me of afternoons at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where slices of warm Date Nut Bread were served with a smear of butter and a steaming cup of tea.

What I love about this bread is its versatility. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat, a mid-morning snack, or even a light dessert. My family loves how moist and flavorful it is, and it’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for holidays but simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work beautifully in this bread.

Q: Do I need to soak the dates?
A: Yes! Soaking the dates in boiling water softens them, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the batter and add moisture to the bread.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q: How should I store Date Nut Bread?
A: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices and thaw as needed.

Q: Can I add spices to the batter?
A: Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic touch to the bread.

What You Need to Make Date Nut Bread

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)

How to Make Date Nut Bread

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Soak the Dates:
   • Place the chopped dates in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes, then mash slightly with a fork.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the soaked dates (including their liquid). Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the Nuts:
   • Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Tips for Perfect Date Nut Bread

• Don’t Skip Soaking the Dates: This step ensures the dates are soft and blend smoothly into the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Customize the Add-Ins: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
• Use Fresh Dates: Medjool dates work wonderfully in this recipe due to their natural sweetness and softness.
• Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting the nuts before folding them into the batter enhances their flavor.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is so easy, and the bread is incredibly moist! My kids loved it for breakfast with a little honey.” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I substituted pecans for the walnuts and added a pinch of cinnamon. It turned out amazing!” – Michael

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The texture is perfect, and the dates add just the right amount of sweetness. A new family favorite!” – Amanda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this with gluten-free flour, and it still came out delicious. Highly recommend!” – Julie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This bread is perfect with a cup of tea. I added a few chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence!” – Laura

Printable Recipe

Date Nut Bread

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Moist and flavorful, this classic Date Nut Bread combines sweet dates and crunchy walnuts in a tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Print

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Add-Ins:
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Soak the Dates:

• Place the chopped dates in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes, then mash slightly with a fork.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the soaked dates (including their liquid). Mix until just combined.

Fold in the Nuts:

• Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.

Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts

Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake

Easy Molasses Sugar Cookies

Smothered Hamburger Steak

Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Date Nut Bread is a recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia to any table. If you tried this recipe and loved it, please share it with your friends and family on social media. Sharing recipes is a wonderful way to connect with others and spread joy. Don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your creations and hear about your favorite twists on this classic loaf!