Description
A moist and flavorful loaf made with molasses, dates, and mandarin oranges.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (100 g)
- 1/4 cup molasses (60 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped (about 150 g)
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, chopped (about 100 g)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) (about 60 g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped dates, mandarin orange segments, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve plain or with butter.
Notes
- Soak chopped dates in warm water or orange juice for added flavor.
- This loaf can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Molasses Date & Mandarin Loaf, loaf recipe, baking, dessert