Mrs. Lessie Justice'S Date Nut Loaf Bread
A moist and flavorful date nut loaf with sweet dates and crunchy nuts, perfect for teatime or as a hearty snack, suitable for all nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour boiling water over the dates and nuts sprinkled with soda; let cool.
- Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in the flour, cooled date and nut mixture.
- Pour batter into a small loaf pan.
- Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts altogether or substitute with seeds. Make sure to chop the dates and nuts uniformly for even distribution. If you want a hint of spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Date Nut Loaf is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a twist, serve alongside a slice of Cream Sherry Cake for a sweet afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Nut Loaf Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Lessie Justice'S Date Nut Loaf Bread contains roughly 858 calories, with 7g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts, pecans, or even almonds for the nuts. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size as the original nuts to maintain the texture of the loaf.
Can I make this loaf without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, and then add it to the batter. This will help bind the loaf similarly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the loaf?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the batter. Additionally, incorporating a splash of orange juice or zest can provide a lovely citrus note that complements the sweetness of the dates.
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).