Chris' Date Nut Bread
A moist, nutty bread filled with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy rich, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in boiling water.
- Add the chopped walnuts, chopped dates, baking soda, and salt to the butter and water mixture.
- Let stand for 15 minutes in a separate bowl.
- Beat the eggs; add vanilla, sugar, and flour.
- Combine the date mixture with the egg mixture.
- Grease a loaf pan and pour in the batter.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute pecans for walnuts if desired, or even use a mix of nuts. If you're out of dates, dried figs or raisins can also work in a pinch. Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This date nut bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. You can also enjoy it as a snack or dessert, perhaps with a side of Joyce'S Homemade Fudge for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover date nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chris' Date Nut Bread contains roughly 641 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each nut will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this date nut bread healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and reduce the sugar by a third or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also add flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. This will maintain the moisture and texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
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).