Orange Date Bread
Orange Date Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf blending sweet dates with zesty orange rind and toasted walnuts. Its fragrant aroma and tender crumb make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, nutty baked goods with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Stir in the egg until well combined.
- Mix the dates, orange juice, grated orange rind, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and hot water; let cool.
- Add the cooled date mixture to the sugar and butter mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, remaining teaspoon of baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased standard loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Orange Date Bread, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. For a healthier twist, you can replace half of the sugar with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour. Make sure to chop the dates finely to ensure they blend well into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. Consider serving it alongside an Easy Holiday Salad for a refreshing contrast or enjoy it as a sweet treat after a hearty meal. It's also perfect for gifting during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Orange Date Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Date Bread contains roughly 777 calories, with 14g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 7g 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 fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will change slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly if needed. Dried apricots or figs can also work well for a different twist.
What can I do if my bread is too dry?
If your Orange Date Bread turns out too dry, you can serve it with a drizzle of honey or a spread of butter to add moisture. Alternatively, try serving it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which will complement the bread's flavors nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Orange Date Bread recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. Just ensure that the sugar used is vegetarian-friendly, as some sugars may be processed with bone char.
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).