Light Date And Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful bread with sweet dates and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, offering a delightful combination of natural sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over dates and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened dates, sugar, beaten egg, vanilla, and melted shortening.
- Add the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider reducing the sugar by half or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using toasted nuts. Also, feel free to mix in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture and sweetness. Ensure to sift the flour to achieve a lighter bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Light Date and Nut Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Easy Jalapeno Dip for a savory contrast or can be enjoyed as a sweet snack with a cup of tea. Consider slicing it thinly and serving it alongside Pink Ambrosia Salad for a refreshing meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave until just heated through, ensuring it maintains its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Date And Nut Bread contains roughly 648 calories, with 8g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1710mg per serving (74% 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 nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute the nuts based on your preference. Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are chopped to avoid large chunks that may disrupt the texture of the bread.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed substitute. For every egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. Additionally, use a plant-based shortening or oil in place of melted shortening.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Keep in mind that overbaking may lead to a dry texture, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
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).