Granny Hale'S Date Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful date nut bread with chopped dates and walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or teatime, appealing to lovers of sweet, nutty baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the brown sugar, margarine, and egg until well combined.
- Add baking soda to boiling water and then mix into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in chopped dates.
- Mix chopped walnuts into the flour and then add to the wet ingredients, combining gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure your dates are soft; if they're hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This recipe also works well with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Granny Hale's Date Nut Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese for breakfast or as a snack. For a delightful treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. This bread also makes a wonderful gift wrapped in parchment paper.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover date nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Hale'S Date Nut Bread contains roughly 767 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1115mg per serving (48% 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 dried ones?
Fresh dates can be used, but they tend to have a higher moisture content. If substituting, reduce the boiling water slightly to avoid a soggy batter. Use about 1/4 cup less water and adjust based on the consistency of your batter. Remember to chop them into smaller pieces.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including baking soda. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, cinnamon, or nutmeg for added flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients to ensure the bread bakes properly. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste.
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).