Christmas Date Nut Loaf
A rich, nutty Christmas date loaf combining sweet dates and crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive gatherings and served plain or with vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Leave dates and nuts whole.
- Sift flour, sugar, and baking powder together.
- Sprinkle the dates and nuts with the dry mixture.
- Mix with hands to thoroughly coat the dates and nuts.
- Add water to egg whites and beat until very stiff.
- Add egg yolks to the dry mixture and combine.
- Add vanilla extract and fold in the beaten egg whites until well incorporated.
- Line a loaf pan with brown paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Test for doneness after 45 minutes and adjust baking time if needed.
- Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. Ensure the dates are fresh and moist for the best texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, keeping the measurements the same.
Serving Suggestions
This loaf is delightful served plain, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a slice of Grandma Stacey'S Plum Pudding for a holiday spread. A cup of hot spiced tea or coffee complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Christmas Date Nut Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped individually for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Date Nut Loaf contains roughly 343 calories, with 7g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf keeps well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it properly as mentioned, and it will taste even better as the flavors meld together. You can also freeze it and thaw it out when needed for added convenience.
Is it possible to use another type of nut?
Yes, you can use other nuts like hazelnuts or cashews if you prefer. Each nut will impart its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes to the walnuts for even mixing.
What can I do if I don't have fresh dates?
If fresh dates are unavailable, you can use dried dates, but make sure to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This will help maintain the loaf's moisture and texture. Alternatively, you can substitute with dried figs or raisins.
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).