Description
Sticky Date & Star Anise Citrus Loaf is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of dates with the aromatic spices of star anise and citrus zest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 125 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- For the glaze:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften the dates.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground star anise, citrus zests, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
- While the loaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, orange juice, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the loaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Brush the warm glaze over the top of the loaf.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter.
- This loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days and also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Enjoy the loaf on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Sticky Date, Star Anise, Citrus, Loaf, Dessert