Bran Date Bread
A quick, sweet loaf bursting with citrus, bran, and dates—perfect for breakfast or a snack. Its wholesome texture and natural sugars make it a wholesome treat for families.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate 1 teaspoon of orange rind and set aside.
- Remove the remaining peel from the orange; chop the fruit in a blender or food processor, adding enough water to make 1 cup. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded wheat cereal, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the softened margarine, sugar, and eggs until blended. Stir in the reserved orange juice and orange rind.
- Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Fold in the chopped dates or raisins.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3‑inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely on the rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have chopped dates, raisins are a great substitute. Ensure that your margarine is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but keep in mind this may change the texture slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Bran Date Bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of Sweet 'N' Creamy Iced Coffee for a relaxing breakfast or snack. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a nutritious meal. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy it fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bran Date Bread contains roughly 416 calories, with 5g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Just wrap it well to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for margarine. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil can also work, but reduce the amount slightly since it's denser than margarine.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If there's wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).