Easy Homemade Date Nut Bread Recipe

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I still remember the first time I baked date nut bread in my kitchen. The smell filled the house and made everything feel calm. I wanted something simple but deeply comforting.

This recipe came together with ingredients I already had. Since then, date nut bread has become one of my favorite loaves to bake and share.

What Makes This Bread So Special

You will love date nut bread because it feels homemade and honest. It does not rely on fancy ingredients. It uses simple pantry staples and turns them into something rich and satisfying. When you slice into warm date nut bread, you notice how moist it is, how evenly it bakes, and how well the flavors come together.

Ingredient Overview

You do not need complicated ingredients to make a delicious date nut bread. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the final texture and taste.

Dry Ingredients

All purpose flour
Flour gives your date nut bread structure. It holds everything together and creates a soft crumb when mixed gently.

Granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and helps balance the natural richness of the dates. It also supports browning during baking.

Baking soda
Baking soda allows your date nut bread to rise properly. It reacts with moisture and heat to create a light texture.

Salt
Salt enhances every flavor in the bread. Even a small amount makes the dates and nuts taste better.

Wet Ingredients

Milk
Milk adds moisture and softness. It helps hydrate the flour and keeps the bread tender.

Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together. They also add richness and help the bread hold its shape.

Butter
Butter adds flavor and keeps the crumb soft. It also helps create a golden crust.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla gives warmth and depth. It blends beautifully with dates and nuts.

Add Ins

Chopped dates
Dates are the heart of date nut bread. They bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a deep caramel like flavor.

Chopped nuts
Nuts such as walnuts or pecans add texture. They create contrast with the soft crumb of the bread.

Step by Step Preparation

Making date nut bread is simple when you follow each step carefully. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Step One Prepare the Dates

Start by chopping your dates into small pieces. This helps them spread evenly through the batter. Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour warm milk over them. Let them soak for a few minutes. This step softens the dates and releases their sweetness, making your date nut bread moist and flavorful.

Step Two Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until evenly mixed. This ensures that the baking soda is distributed properly, helping your date nut bread rise evenly.

Step Three Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs gently. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This mixture adds richness and helps bind the batter together.

Step Four Bring Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients slowly. Stir gently until just combined. Add the soaked dates along with any remaining milk. Fold in the chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make date nut bread dense instead of soft.

Step Five Bake the Date Nut Bread

Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter evenly into it. Smooth the top lightly. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool before slicing to allow the structure to set.

How to Know Your Date Nut Bread Is Perfect

You can tell your date nut bread is done when it has a rich golden color and feels firm on top. The aroma will be warm and sweet. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling is just as important as baking. Let your date nut bread rest in the pan for a short time, then move it to a rack. This prevents sogginess and helps the bread slice cleanly.

Helpful Tips

Small adjustments can make a big difference when baking date nut bread.

Use fresh dates for the best flavor and moisture
Chop dates evenly so they distribute well
Soak dates in warm milk for a softer crumb
Do not overmix the batter
Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor
Allow the bread to cool before slicing

Avoid rushing the process. Date nut bread rewards patience and gentle handling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You want your date nut bread to come out soft and flavorful, so avoid these common issues.

Using dry or old dates can make the bread less moist
Skipping the soaking step may lead to uneven texture
Overmixing the batter can cause toughness
Baking at too high a temperature may dry out the bread
Cutting the bread too soon can cause crumbling

When you pay attention to these details, your date nut bread will turn out beautifully every time.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps your date nut bread fresh and delicious.

Room temperature storage
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic or foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days.

Refrigerator storage
Place the bread in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezer storage
Slice the bread and wrap each slice individually. Store in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Thaw slices at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Serving Ideas

Date nut bread is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways.

Serve warm with butter for breakfast
Pair with tea or coffee for an afternoon snack
Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
Toast slices lightly for a crisp edge
Serve with cream cheese for a richer treat

No matter how you serve it, date nut bread always feels comforting.

Easy Homemade Date Nut Bread Recipe

Lara Stewart

Bake a comforting and moist loaf with this Easy Homemade Date Nut Bread Recipe for All Seasons. Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with crunchy nuts, this quick bread is simple to prepare, versatile for any time of year, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Standard 9×5 loaf pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Toothpick (for doneness check)

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup chopped dried dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, almonds

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
• Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them and stir in baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
• In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Stir in the softened date mixture including liquid.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
• Fold in chopped nuts gently.
  
• Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts depending on preference. For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Keyword classic date bread, date nut loaf, homemade date nut bread recipe, quick bread

Frequently Asked Questions

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