Get ready to transport yourself to a world of nostalgic flavors and comforting aromas with this irresistible Date Nut Bread recipe that has been passed down through generations. Imagine a warm, moist slice of bread packed with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, delivering a perfect balance of texture and taste that will make you feel like you're wrapped in a warm hug from Grandma Rosie herself. This isn't just a recipe – it's a culinary journey that promises to become an instant family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of chopped dates, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This step will soften the dates and create a flavorful base for the bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and the egg. Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the date mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the sugar and egg mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve Grandma Rosie's Date Nut Bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter for added flavor!
Tips
- Date Preparation: Ensure your dates are fresh and chopped evenly for consistent flavor distribution throughout the bread.
- Don't Overmix: When adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread instead of a tender crumb.
- Toothpick Test: Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps prevent the bread from breaking apart.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: This bread is delightful on its own, but try toasting a slice and spreading with a little butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
