Date Peanut Loaf
A moist, flavorful date and peanut loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy nutty, sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chopped, pitted dates in a small bowl; sprinkle soda over dates.
- Cover with boiling water and set aside.
- Cream brown sugar and shortening in a larger bowl.
- Add salt and egg, beating well.
- Add peanuts and date mixture to this, mixing in well.
- Stir in flour until just combined.
- Spoon into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the date mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to soften the dates completely. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To make this recipe even healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Chopped walnuts can also be a great alternative to peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Date Peanut Loaf is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of peanut butter for added richness. Serve it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread alongside other sweet breads or even the Bible Fruit Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Date Peanut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Peanut Loaf contains roughly 4317 calories, with 76g protein, 835g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (151% of the Daily Value), calcium (124% of the Daily Value), and iron (112% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just chop them roughly and mix them in the same way. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
What can I do if I don't have pitted dates?
If you don't have pitted dates, you can buy whole dates and simply pit them yourself. Alternatively, you can use dried figs or apricots as a substitute, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will slightly change, but the loaf will still be delicious.
Can I make this loaf vegan?
Absolutely! To make this loaf vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, ensure that the shortening you use is plant-based. This way, you can enjoy a delightful vegan version of this Date Peanut Loaf.
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).