Holiday Date Bread
A moist, flavorful date bread with crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet moments, combining natural sweetness with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it and coating with plain bread crumbs.
- Mix chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda; let cool.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl; add sugar and mix well.
- Add the cooled date mixture to the egg mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped pecans to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh dates for a more flavorful bread. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be substituted. Ensure the water is boiling before mixing with the dates to soften them properly. For an added flavor twist, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the wet ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Holiday Date Bread with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and can be accompanied by fresh fruit for a balanced treat. This bread also makes a wonderful addition to holiday brunch menus alongside other sweet treats like Raisin Meringue Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Holiday Date Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Date Bread contains roughly 628 calories, with 14g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1583mg per serving (69% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits such as figs or apricots. If using a different fruit, chop them finely and adjust the amount of water accordingly to achieve the desired consistency in the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg) and use a plant-based milk instead of water. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Additionally, a splash of orange or lemon zest can brighten the overall taste, making it even more festive for holiday gatherings.
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).