Print

Easy, Moist, Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

Close-up of a thick slice of moist date nut bread, showing visible chopped dates and a sugary crust.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake a classic, moist date nut bread using simple steps. This quick bread is 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 granulated 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

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 medium bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and stir in the baking soda. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate 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. Fold in the softened date mixture (including any remaining liquid) and the chopped walnuts until 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.

Notes

  • For an extra moist loaf, soak the dates in hot water for 15 minutes before mixing.
  • You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.
  • This bread freezes well once completely cooled; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Nutrition