This date nut bread is a classic quick bread with sweet chopped dates and crunchy nuts.
Since it makes two loaves, it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or freezing one loaf for later.
It’s an old-fashioned favorite often associated with holiday baking and afternoon tea-style snacks.
🍞 Classic Date Nut Bread
A rich, incredibly moist quick bread. Plump, hot water-softened dates are baked into a tender brown sugar crumb loaded with crunchy walnuts or pecans.
⏱️ Bake Time: 45 Mins - 1 Hour🍞 Yield: 2 Loaves (8–10 Servings)🍳 Equipment: Two Bread Loaf Pans🔥 Oven: 350°F
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
4 cups dates (cut up)
4 cups sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup shortening
1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups broken nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Preparation Instructions
Soak the Dates: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the boiling water directly over the cut-up dates and let the mixture stand to soften.
Prep the Pans: Grease two standard bread loaf pans very well to prevent sticking.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cake flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream the shortening, packed brown sugar, and eggs together until smooth.
Mix the Batter: Blend the baking soda and the warm date-water mixture into the creamed base. Add the sifted flour mixture, mixing just until combined, then gently fold in the broken nuts.
Bake & Cool: Divide the batter evenly into your two prepared pans. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Date Nut Bread FAQ
Why do you soak the dates in boiling water?
Soaking softens the dates and helps them blend evenly into the batter, which improves the bread’s texture and moisture.
What nuts work best in date nut bread?
Walnuts are a classic choice, but pecans also work well. Use your favorite broken nuts or a mix.
How do I know when the loaves are done?
Bake until a tester inserted near the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Since pan size and ovens vary, start checking around 45 minutes.
How should I store date nut bread?
Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze one loaf?
Yes—this recipe makes two loaves, so freezing one is a great option. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
