Oat Bran Date Bread
A hearty, nutritious oat bran bread infused with sweet dates and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to health-conscious and flavor-loving eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat bran ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/3 cup nonfat powdered milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 3/4 cup hot water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup egg substitute ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix oat bran, chopped dates, nonfat powdered milk, molasses, hot water, butter, and egg substitute in a large bowl.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: flour, whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ground ginger, and ground cardamom.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting applesauce for part of the butter. If you want a sweeter bread, use more chopped dates or add a bit of brown sugar. To enhance the spice flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure to measure your flour correctly, as too much can lead to a dense bread. This recipe can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences, including vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the oat bran date bread and serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad, like Diabetic Strawberry Salad, for a wholesome breakfast or snack. For a twist, try toasting the slices and topping them with yogurt for a delicious treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover oat bran date bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oat Bran Date Bread contains roughly 181 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% 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 other dried fruits instead of dates?
Absolutely! You can substitute chopped dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries for dates. Each fruit adds its unique flavor, making the bread versatile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may change slightly depending on the fruit you choose.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by replacing all-purpose and whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. Adjust the baking time if needed, as gluten-free flours might behave differently in the oven.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Additionally, it should have a golden-brown color and spring back when lightly pressed. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary based on your oven.
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).