Honey Date Bread
Honey Date Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf with sweet dates, honey, and toasted walnuts, perfect for breakfast or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy rich, nutty baked treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, pitted, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup honey ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mandarin peel, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mandarin juice ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix dates, shortening, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, mandarin peel, hot water, and mandarin juice in a bowl.
- Stir until well mixed and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add the beaten egg to the mixture and combine.
- Resift flour with soda and salt into the date mixture.
- Stir to form a thick batter.
- Add chopped walnuts and mix evenly.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing or storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also use maple syrup in place of honey for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the taste. Ensure your dates are fresh and moist; dry dates may require additional liquid. This recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarian recipes by using egg substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Date Bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a spread of creamy butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee during breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Honey Date Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm in a toaster oven or microwave until just heated through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Date Bread contains roughly 591 calories, with 12g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a nice crunch, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. Each nut will impart a unique flavor to the bread, so feel free to experiment.
What can I do if I don't have mandarin juice?
If mandarin juice is unavailable, you can use orange juice as a substitute. It will provide a similar citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates. Just ensure the juice is fresh for the best taste.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make Honey Date Bread healthier, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey slightly. Additionally, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Incorporating flaxseed or chia seeds can also boost the nutritional value.
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).