Old-Fashioned Date-Nut Bread
Old-Fashioned Date-Nut Bread offers moist, flavorful slices packed with dates and pecans, perfect for breakfast or teatime, with a sweet citrus glaze enhancing its richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two clean, empty 1-pound coffee cans.
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk to a boil.
- Immediately remove from heat; add chopped pitted dates and let stand for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans until well mixed.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs lightly with a wire whisk or fork.
- Stir in the date-milk mixture and lemon extract until well blended.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cans.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves in the cans on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove the loaves from the cans and cool completely.
- Brush the loaves with the Orange-Lemon Glaze.
- Let stand for about 15 minutes until the glaze is set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Old-Fashioned Date-Nut Bread, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you prefer, walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. If you have leftover dates, try adding them to oatmeal or yogurt for a nutritious breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delightful bread warm or at room temperature, spread with cream cheese or butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or yogurt, which complements the sweetness of the bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Date-Nut Bread contains roughly 407 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg 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 dried fruit other than dates in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried figs, raisins, or even cranberries for the dates. Keep in mind that different fruits will impart varying flavors and sweetness levels, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly. Adding a mix of dried fruits can also provide a delightful medley of flavors.
Is it necessary to use coffee cans for baking?
While coffee cans create a unique shape for the loaves, you can also use a standard loaf pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. If you're looking for a vegan option, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
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).