Orange, Date And Pecan Bread
A moist, flavorful bread with orange, date, and pecan notes, perfect for breakfast or tea time, combining sweetness with citrus zest and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and squeeze the orange to obtain juice, adding enough boiling water to make 1 cup.
- Remove pulp from the orange and put the peel through a food grinder.
- Combine the orange peel, pulp, orange juice, chopped dates, sugar, melted butter, and beaten egg in a bowl.
- Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, soda) together three times and add them to the wet mixture; mix well.
- Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. If you don't have chopped dates, you can substitute with dried figs or raisins. Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the egg when combined. Sifting the dry ingredients well helps achieve a lighter texture, similar to Aunt Flora Lewis' Angel Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange, Date and Pecan Bread is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside Mother'S Pumpkin Cookies for a comforting dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange, Date And Pecan Bread contains roughly 246 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any nut of your choice, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure they mix well into the batter.
Is it necessary to use boiling water in the recipe?
Boiling water helps soften the dates, making them easier to incorporate into the batter. If you prefer, you can soak them in hot water for 10 minutes instead.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon to ensure proper texture and rise.
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).