Date-Applesauce Loaf
A moist, flavorful loaf combining the sweetness of dates and applesauce with warm spices, perfect for teatime or as a comforting snack for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla, then beat well.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Measure out 1/4 cup of the flour mixture and set aside.
- Alternately add the remaining flour mixture and applesauce to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Toss the reserved flour mixture with chopped nuts and chopped dates.
- Fold the nut and date mixture into the batter, mixing well.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 60 minutes or until done.
- Frost with chocolate icing or a mixture of cream cheese and orange marmalade.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute the chopped nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. If you don’t have cloves, you can use allspice or nutmeg as a substitute. Ensure your applesauce is unsweetened to control the sugar level in the loaf. This Date-Applesauce Loaf is also delicious with a sprinkle of oats on top before baking for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the Date-Applesauce Loaf with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Orange Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy brunch. For a festive touch, consider frosting with chocolate icing or a cream cheese mix.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the Date-Applesauce Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through, enhancing the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date-Applesauce Loaf contains roughly 877 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1272mg per serving (55% 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 fresh apples instead of applesauce?
While fresh apples won't provide the same moisture as applesauce, you can blend peeled and cored apples into a sauce and use it as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, so adjust baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture or unsweetened applesauce. For a flaxseed substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then add it to the batter. This keeps the loaf moist while being suitable for vegan diets.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Date-Applesauce Loaf, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. Additionally, check that your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain safety.
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).