Date Nut Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to bake a treat that’s delightfully sweet yet hearty, with just the right amount of crunch and a moist crumb, then this Date Nut Bread Recipe is absolutely for you. I discovered this gem years ago, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast or a cozy snack to share with friends, this bread hits every note perfectly. Stick around, and I’ll take you through my favorite tips to make sure your loaf comes out perfectly every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Date Nut Bread Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work so well together. I always suggest picking quality Medjool dates because their natural caramel notes really enhance the bread’s flavor. And don’t skip the step of toasting those walnuts — it changes everything!

this …

• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure without weighing it down.
• Baking powder: Helps your bread rise nicely without being dense.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Boiling water: Used to soak dates, softening them to blend seamlessly into the batter.
• Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, these are the star ingredient for flavor and texture.
• Baking soda: Works with the acidity of the dates to make the bread tender.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness, plus good fats.
• Brown sugar: I prefer light or dark, depending on how caramel-y you want your bread.
• Eggs: At room temperature for the best mix and fluffiness.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth in the flavor.
• Chopped walnuts: Toasted for crunch and added nutty aroma.

Variations

I love exploring different twists on my Date Nut Bread Recipe, and you might too! It’s so easy to personalize it whether you’re feeling adventurous or need to adapt it for dietary needs.

• Nut swap: I sometimes use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts to switch up the flavor and texture. Pecans add a buttery touch that’s sensational.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just be mindful that the texture changes slightly but stays moist and tasty.
• Spiced twist: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg can make this bread feel like a warm hug in loaves.
• Extra fruity: Occasionally I toss in dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of tartness against the sweet dates.

How to Make Date Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Toast those walnuts for extra crunch

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 160°C for fan ovens). Spread your raw walnuts out on a baking sheet and toast them for about 7 minutes. I like to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn — you’re aiming for a fragrant, golden look. Once toasted, let them cool before chopping into smaller chunks. This step really amps up the nutty flavor and crunch, making the bread extra special.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients

While the nuts cool, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed when you combine the wet ingredients later and supports a nice rise without dense spots.

Step 3: Soak and prep your dates

In a separate bowl, pour the boiling water over the chopped Medjool dates and let them soak until the mixture cools to room temperature. This step softens the dates, so they blend beautifully into the batter, lending moisture and natural sweetness. After cooling, stir in the baking soda, which reacts with the acidity to tenderize your bread.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients

To your soaked date mixture, add the olive oil, brown sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The batter will be rich and a little thick—don’t worry, that’s perfect!

Step 5: Bring it all together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ones, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can make your bread tough, so stir carefully. Then, fold in the chopped toasted walnuts for that satisfying crunch. This batter will feel thick and luscious, promising a moist bread every time.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper — this makes clean-up and slicing so much easier! Pour in the batter and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Alternatively, the internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C). Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, it needs this time to settle for the best texture.

How to Serve Date Nut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a quick serving, I like to spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on a warm slice — it melts right in and complements the sweetness wonderfully. Sometimes, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar tops it off perfectly.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I serve it alongside fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries to add a bright contrast to the rich bread.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress at gatherings, I slice the bread thick, toast it lightly, and top with mascarpone and a scattering of chopped nuts or a dollop of fruit preserves. It feels fancy but is super easy to pull together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days — the bread remains moist and just as tasty. Make sure it’s fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I slice the bread first, then wrap each slice in parchment and foil before freezing. This way, it’s easy to pull out individual slices for a quick breakfast or snack without thawing the whole loaf.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, I toast frozen slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep moisture. It tastes just like when fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Date Nut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart—not just because it’s delicious and easy, but because it brings back memories of cozy mornings and sharing warm slices with loved ones. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and I’m confident it will quickly become one of your favorite homemade treats. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to some warm, nutty goodness—you deserve it!

Print