Little Date Nut Loaves
Little Date Nut Loaves are moist, flavorful mini bread loaves packed with sweet dates and crunchy pecans, perfect for a cozy snack or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease 5 miniature loaf pans (4 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches).
- Beat eggs in a mixing bowl.
- Add milk, muffin mix, chopped dates, and chopped pecans; stir just until blended.
- Divide batter among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you don't have pecans, walnuts make a great substitute, or you could omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure you don't overmix the batter to keep the loaves tender. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped dates to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
These Little Date Nut Loaves are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a complete breakfast, you could serve them alongside yogurt and fresh fruit. Consider adding them to a brunch spread with other baked goods for a wonderful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or use a microwave for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Date Nut Loaves contains roughly 741 calories, with 10g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but they will have a higher moisture content. Make sure to chop them finely and consider reducing the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right batter consistency. Dried dates are typically sweeter and add a more concentrated flavor.
How can I adjust this recipe for a larger batch?
To make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in larger loaf pans or adjust the baking time accordingly. If using standard loaf pans, check for doneness around the 45-minute mark. You can also consider using a muffin tin for smaller portions.
What can I use as a substitute for the muffin mix?
If you don’t have muffin mix, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For added flavor, incorporate a teaspoon of baking soda. This homemade mix will work well for the loaves and ensure they rise beautifully.
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).