Date-Apple Bread
A moist, flavorful bread featuring sweet apples, dates, and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snacks with warm spices enhancing its comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and milk, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Fold in the chopped apples, chopped dates, and nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly into two prepared loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for half of the butter to reduce fat, or use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for added nutrition. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or using fresh nutmeg instead of ground. If you want a twist, try adding dried cranberries or swapping out the nuts for walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This Date-Apple Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a special treat, serve it alongside Mary Pearl's Fresh Apple Cake or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw slices at room temperature and warm them in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date-Apple Bread contains roughly 855 calories, with 9g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1490mg per serving (65% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a unique flavor. Just make sure to chop them roughly so they distribute evenly throughout the bread.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together in the same way an egg would.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
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).