Midget Date Loaves
Delightful date loaves with a moist texture and rich orange flavor, perfect for teatime or as a sweet snack, appealing to fruit and bread lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the dates and shortening; let cool to room temperature.
- Add grated orange peel and orange juice to the cooled mixture.
- Stir in the beaten egg.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
- Stir in the walnuts.
- Pour the batter into four greased loaf pans measuring 4 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 2 inches.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from pans and cool. Wrap and store overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light texture. This recipe can also be adapted by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth, similar to what you'd find in Sourdough Sugar Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These midget date loaves are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. They make a lovely addition to a brunch spread or can be paired with tea for an afternoon snack. For a delicious contrast, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt. They also pair beautifully with Egg And Macaroni Toss for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaves by wrapping them in aluminum foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Midget Date Loaves contains roughly 825 calories, with 19g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% 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 dates for this recipe?
Using fresh dates is not recommended as they have a higher moisture content than dried dates. This could alter the consistency of the batter and affect the baking time. Stick to pitted dried dates for the best results.
What can I use if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or a mixture of water and lemon juice for a citrusy flavor. Alternatively, a flavored sparkling water can add a unique twist while still keeping the batter moist.
How can I tell when the loaves are done baking?
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there is any wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking and check again after a few minutes. The edges should also be golden brown, indicating that they are properly baked.
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).