Grandma'S Date Bread
Grandma's Date Bread offers a moist, sweet treat with rich date flavors, perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a comforting snack for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease and flour 2 loaf pans.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dissolve baking soda in hot water.
- Add chopped dates to the water and let cool.
- Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy.
- Add beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the cooled date mixture.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Make sure the dates are finely chopped to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the bread. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by half and enjoy a more subtle taste.
Serving Suggestions
This date bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a creative twist, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It also complements well with dishes like Cinnamon Buttermilk Coffee Cake for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the date bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Date Bread contains roughly 981 calories, with 5g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1014mg per serving (44% 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 dried fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute chopped dried apricots, figs, or raisins for dates. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and sweetness slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up before serving.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless version by using a substitute like unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the bread moist.
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).