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The Best Moist, Easy, Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread Recipe

Two moist slices of rich brown date nut bread showing visible nuts and dates, served on a white plate.
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This classic date nut bread recipe guarantees an incredibly moist and tender crumb using a simple date-soaking trick. It is an easy quick bread, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 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 one 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 stand for 10 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 bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the softened date mixture (including any 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. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For the moistest date nut bread, do not skip soaking the dates in hot water with baking soda; this helps them soften and react with the leavening agents.
  • This nostalgic quick bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to three months.
  • Serve this homemade date bread warm with butter or cream cheese for a perfect tea time loaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/date-nut-bread-moist-easy-old-fashioned-recipe/