Date Nut Bread
Date Nut Bread Recipe
This Date Nut Bread is a classic quick bread with sweet chopped dates and crunchy nuts. It makes two loaves, making it great for sharing, gifting, or freezing a loaf for later. Date nut bread has roots in early 20th-century American cuisine, often associated with holiday baking or afternoon teas. It’s a dense, sweet quick bread that combines the natural caramel-like sweetness of dates with the crunch of nuts, making it a versatile treat for breakfast, snacks, or even as a gift.
Date Nut Bread
Ingredients 2 cups boiling water4 cups dates, cut up
4 cups of sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup brown sugar (good measure)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons soda
2 cups broken nuts
Preheat oven 350 degrees
Instructions
Pour boiling water over dates, let stand. Sift flour and salt. Cream shortening, sugar
and eggs. Add soda and date mixture. Add this and flour to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Put in two well
greased bread pans. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. Test carefully for doneness then cool on cake rack.
Makes two loaves.
Total Cook Time - 45 minutes to 1 hour
Equipment - 2 bread pans
Servings about 8-10 servings
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.
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