Date-Nut Cream Cheese Loaf
A moist and flavorful date-nut loaf with cream cheese, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a delightful combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and creamy richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, place chopped dates and boiling water. Set aside to cool.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the cooled date mixture to the egg mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Cut cream cheese into 3/4 inch cubes.
- Fold the cream cheese into the batter gently.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 70 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Refrigerate when completely cooled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding walnuts or pecans, which pair beautifully with the sweetness of the dates. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the sugar with applesauce. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier incorporation into the batter. For an extra twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Date-Nut Cream Cheese Loaf with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. It pairs well with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a richer dessert experience, try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled Date-Nut Cream Cheese Loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and microwave briefly or warm in a toaster oven until just heated through to preserve its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date-Nut Cream Cheese Loaf contains roughly 542 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% 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! Feel free to substitute or mix in your favorite nuts such as pecans or hazelnuts. Just ensure they're chopped to similar sizes to maintain the loaf's texture. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. This way, you can enjoy a delicious loaf while accommodating dietary needs.
What should I do if my loaf is too dense?
If your loaf turns out dense, it's likely due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. To prevent this, mix the flour just until combined with the wet ingredients. Additionally, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the rise.
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).