Date And Nut Tiffin Loaf
A rich, Date and Nut Tiffin Loaf combines sweet dates and crunchy nuts in a moist, flavorful treat perfect for tea or as a hearty snack for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients together.
- Add the chopped dates and nuts to the dry mixture.
- Mix with your fingers until well coated.
- Add beaten egg yolks and vanilla, then blend with your fingers.
- Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Brush a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with butter, lightly flour it, and pour in the batter, smoothing the top with your hands.
- Cover the top of the pan with foil, folding around the edges.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top becomes faintly brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the loaf set for 5 minutes.
- Loosen the edges with a dull knife.
- Turn the loaf upside down onto a cake rack to cool.
- When cool, wrap and store or freeze.
- Slice thinly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the walnuts with pecans, which can add a different texture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought date paste instead of chopping fresh dates. Make sure to sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps in the batter. This loaf works well with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for an appealing presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the loaf thinly and serve it as a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Chocolate-Laced Kiwi Fruit With Orange Sauce. This loaf also makes a wonderful gift wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Nut Tiffin Loaf contains roughly 480 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them coarsely to maintain the texture of the loaf. Each nut will impart its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What can I do if the loaf is too dry?
If you find the loaf is too dry after baking, consider adding a bit of butter or a drizzle of honey when serving. You can also serve it with a spread like cream cheese or a fruit preserve to add moisture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially baking powder, are labeled gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
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).