The date nut bread recipe is a timeless favorite, cherished for its rich flavors and moist texture. Whether you remember it from childhood or you’re trying it for the first time, this sweet bread is the perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of dates combined with the crunch of nuts. In this guide, we’ll explore a traditional date nut bread recipe, offer variations like vegan and healthy options, and share essential tips for perfecting this delicious bread.
Looking for more bread-making inspiration? Try these Cuisinart bread maker recipes for a variety of easy-to-make loaves.
Traditional Date Nut Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a date nut bread recipe that captures the essence of this classic loaf, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, offering a simple yet flavorful result. The combination of dates and nuts creates a moist texture with a satisfying crunch, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Ingredients :
Here’s what you’ll need to make this date nut bread recipe:
- 2 cups (227g) chopped dates
- 1 cup (113g) chopped walnuts (or your choice of nuts)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or water)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for the Traditional Date Nut Bread
- Prepare the Dates and Coffee: In a bowl, combine chopped dates, baking soda, and hot brewed coffee (or water). Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Assemble the Dough: Gradually mix the date mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by the dry ingredients. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Vegan Date Nut Bread : A Dairy-Free Delight
For those seeking a plant-based option, this vegan date nut bread recipe offers the same delicious flavor without using any animal products. By replacing butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives, you can enjoy a moist, flavorful loaf that’s entirely vegan-friendly.
Ingredients for Vegan Date Nut Bread Recipe
- 2 cups (227g) chopped dates
- 1 cup (113g) chopped walnuts
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (mixed with 3 tablespoons water to create a flax egg)
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee or water
Instructions for Vegan Date Nut Bread Recipe
- Prepare the Dates: Just like the traditional recipe, soak the dates in hot coffee or water with baking soda for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Flax Egg: Mix flaxseed meal with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine the melted coconut oil, sugar, flax egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Assemble and Bake: Mix the date mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by the dry ingredients and nuts. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes.
Healthy Date Nut Bread Recipe: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
If you’re looking for a date nut bread recipe that’s lighter and more nutritious, this healthy version is for you. By using whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar content, you can enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories and added fiber.
Ingredients for Healthy Date Nut Bread Recipe
- 2 cups (227g) chopped dates
- 1 cup (113g) chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed green tea (for extra antioxidants)
Instructions for Healthy Date Nut Bread Recipe
- Prepare the Dates: Soak the dates in hot green tea with baking soda for 10 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Assemble and Bake: Stir the date mixture into the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry ingredients and nuts. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes.
For a tangy, hearty option, you might enjoy this sourdough sandwich bread recipe.
Tips for Perfecting Your Nut Bread Recipe
Mastering the date nut bread recipe is all about finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are some expert tips to help you make the best loaf every time:
Choosing the Right Dates
Use high-quality Medjool dates for the best results. Their natural sweetness and soft texture are ideal for baking, ensuring your bread stays moist and flavorful.
Toasting the Nuts
Toasting the walnuts (or any nuts you choose) before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor, giving your bread an extra layer of richness.
Using Coffee or Brandy for Extra Flavor
Adding hot coffee or a splash of brandy to your date nut bread can create a deeper, more complex flavor profile. Don’t worry—your bread won’t taste like coffee; it simply enhances the overall taste.
Avoid Overmixing
When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light, tender texture you’re aiming for.
Curious about how coffee enhances flavor? Learn more about how it can add richness to baked goods in this article.
FAQs About Date Nut Bread
Can I Make Gluten-Free Date Nut Bread?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the date nut bread recipe by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are a classic choice for this date nut bread recipe, you can experiment with almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts to change the flavor and texture.
How Long Does Date Nut Bread Last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your date nut bread will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Spices to My Date Nut Bread Recipe?
Yes! Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can give your date nut bread a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for the colder months.
Additional Variations
While the traditional and vegan versions of the date nut bread are classic favorites, there are plenty of other variations to try. By experimenting with ingredients and flavor combinations, you can create a unique twist on the classic loaf.
Spiced Date Nut Bread
For a warm, flavorful loaf perfect for the colder months, try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your date nut bread recipe. These spices complement the sweetness of the dates and bring a comforting aroma to the kitchen as the bread bakes.
Ingredients for Spiced Date Nut Bread:
- 2 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the dates and hot coffee as in the traditional date nut bread recipe.
- Mix in the spices with the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
This spiced version of the date nut bread recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat on a chilly evening.
Pairing Suggestions for Date Nut Bread
Pairing your freshly baked date nut bread recipe with the right accompaniments can elevate the flavor even further. Here are a few ideas to enjoy alongside your homemade bread:
Cream Cheese
One of the most traditional pairings for a date nut bread recipe is a thick layer of cream cheese. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the dates and the rich flavor of the nuts. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on a slice of warm date nut bread for a satisfying snack or breakfast.
Honey and Butter
For a simple yet delicious pairing, drizzle honey over your bread and add a thin spread of butter. This combination enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, creamy texture to the bread. Honey and butter are perfect if you want to bring out the natural flavors of the bread without overpowering them.
Fruit Preserves
If you enjoy fruity flavors, try pairing your date nut bread recipe with homemade or store-bought fruit preserves. Apricot, fig, or blackberry jam pairs wonderfully with the nutty, sweet flavor of the bread.
Tea or Coffee
Finally, pairing your date nut bread recipe with a hot beverage like tea or coffee is always a winning choice. The slight bitterness of a cup of black coffee or the floral notes of tea balance out the sweetness of the bread.
Storage Tips
To keep your date nut bread recipe fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here are some tips for storing your bread:
Short-Term Storage
If you plan to eat your bread within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help keep it moist. Stored this way, your bread should last for 3-4 days.
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freezing your bread is a great option. To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy later, simply thaw the bread at room temperature or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up.
More Creative Add-Ins for Your Nut Bread Recipe
The beauty of the date nut bread recipe lies in its versatility. In addition to the classic ingredients, there are plenty of other add-ins you can experiment with to create new flavors and textures.
Chocolate Chips
For a sweet, indulgent twist, try adding dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate will melt into the bread, creating pockets of gooey richness that contrast beautifully with the dates and nuts.
Orange Zest
Adding a tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest can brighten up the flavor of your date nut bread recipe. The citrusy notes add freshness and pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries can add a tart sweetness to your bread, offering a nice contrast to the dates. Simply chop them into small pieces and mix them into the batter with the nuts.
For a creamy twist, check out this cottage cheese bread recipe.
Making Date Nut Bread Muffins
If you’re looking for a fun variation on the traditional date nut bread recipe, why not turn it into muffins? Muffins are a convenient, portable version of the bread and bake in less time. Here’s how to make them:
Instructions:
- Follow your preferred date nut bread recipe for preparing the batter.
- Instead of pouring the batter into a loaf pan, divide it evenly into a lined muffin tin.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
This muffin variation is perfect for breakfast on-the-go, snacks, or as a delightful addition to brunch spreads.
If you love nutty flavors, try this delightful almond nut cake recipe for a rich, sweet treat
Conclusion:
The date nut bread is a versatile, delicious bread that can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. Whether you stick with the classic version, try a vegan or healthy alternative, or experiment with spices and add-ins, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
By following the tips and variations outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a perfect loaf (or muffins!) of date nut bread every time. Whether paired with cream cheese, drizzled with honey, or enjoyed on its own, this bread is a timeless treat that will keep you coming back for more.