Date Nut Bread Recipe

Chef Ellie

Discover the best date nut bread recipe—moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with loved ones!

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Dessert, Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 230 kcal

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the bread and gives it structure. For a nuttier flavor you can substitute with whole wheat flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay perfectly fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

1 cup pitted dates chopped: These add natural sweetness and create the signature moist texture.
½ cup boiling water: Used to soften the dates creating a rich, caramel-like consistency.
½ cup unsalted butter melted: Adds moisture and a buttery richness to the bread.
½ cup brown sugar: For a deep molasses-like sweetness that complements the dates.
1 large egg room temperature: Binds the ingredients together while adding structure and tenderness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the warm sweet flavors in the bread.

½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to swap with pecans or leave them out for a nut-free version.

½ teaspoon cinnamon: For a warm spiced note that pairs beautifully with the dates.
¼ cup dark chocolate chips: A delightful twist for chocolate lovers!

Chop your dates into small pieces and place them in a small bowl.
Pour boiling water over the dates and let them sit for 10 minutes. This softens the dates and makes them even sweeter, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to the bread.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (optional for added warmth).
Set this dry mixture aside while you focus on the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
Stir in the softened dates along with the soaking water to help bind everything together.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. Just mix until the flour is incorporated.
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts (or any other add-ins you prefer). These provide a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the dates.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once your date nut bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy it as is, or spread with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. Perfect with your morning coffee or as a midday snack!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)