Description
A moist and sweet loaf made with dates, perfect for your pantry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 grams (about 7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) boiling water
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 125 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 grams (about 1 cup) walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with boiling water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they soften. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the soaked dates and chopped nuts (if using).
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the date loaf and serve it plain or with a spread of butter. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- For added flavor, include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients.
- This loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and often tastes better the next day.
- You can freeze the loaf for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 40 milligrams
Keywords: Traditional Pantry Date Loaf