California Orange, Date, Nut Bread
A moist, citrusy loaf blended with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts—perfect for a bright breakfast or snack, with a subtle vanilla note that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the juice from the orange into a standard 8-ounce measuring cup and add boiling water until the volume reaches 8 ounces.
- Force the orange (with dates) through a food chopper using the coarse blade to create a coarse puree.
- Add the diluted orange juice to the puree and stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and the beaten egg.
- Sift the flour together with salt, baking powder, and soda, then fold into the wet mixture along with the sugar.
- Beat the batter until smooth, then fold in the chopped California walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a 5x9-inch loaf pan lined with waxed paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Ensure your dates are fresh and moist for the best texture; soak them in warm water for 10 minutes if they are too dry.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, and a side of fresh fruit can enhance your meal. For a delightful dessert, try it alongside Mom W'S Fresh Apple Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Orange, Date, Nut Bread contains roughly 510 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1385mg per serving (60% 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 use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain the bread's texture.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bread?
You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a splash of orange zest to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. These additions complement the orange and date base beautifully.
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).