Date Roll Sandwiches
Sweet date roll sandwiches feature moist, flavorful loaves filled with cream cheese, perfect for parties or teatime treats enjoyed by those who love rich, wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl; beat at medium speed until well blended.
- Add molasses and melted shortening, beating well.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; dredge chopped dates and raisins in 1/3 cup flour mixture.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the molasses mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Fold in the reserved date-raisin mixture.
- Pour 1 cup of batter into each of 7 well-greased 10 3/4-ounce soup cans.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in cans on wire racks.
- Remove loaves from cans and cool completely on wire racks.
- Cut each loaf into 12 slices.
- Spread cream cheese evenly over half of the date bread slices; top with remaining slices to make sandwiches.
- Cut each sandwich in half and arrange on a serving platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the dates and raisins are well-coated with flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. For a festive touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a hint of cinnamon to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These date roll sandwiches make a delightful addition to a brunch spread or a sweet treat for afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of Carolyn Hawkins' Chocolate Delight for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture while softening the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Roll Sandwiches contains roughly 1422 calories, with 20g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. 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 fresh dates instead of chopped dates in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but you will need to chop them finely and may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly, as fresh dates are sweeter. Keep in mind that the texture of the final product may vary.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter option?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a spreadable low-fat cheese for a lighter alternative. This will change the flavor and texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well to ensure safety for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).