Description
A moist and flavorful loaf made with dates and ginger.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 g (about 7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 125 g (about 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (about 3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (about 1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 50 g (about 1/2 cup) crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)
- 100 g (about 1/4 cup) maple syrup or golden syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the soaked date mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped crystallized ginger if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the loaf is baking, combine the maple syrup or golden syrup in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
- Once the loaf is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. Brush the warm syrup over the top of the loaf.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or butter.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- This loaf can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
- This loaf also freezes well for longer storage.
- If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Sticky Date & Ginger Loaf, dessert, baking, loaf cake