Vernie'S Date Loaf
Vernie's Date Loaf offers a rich combination of dates, raisins, pecans, and graham crackers, creating a sweet, chewy treat perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chopped dates, raisins, pecans, and crumbled graham crackers in a mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows together on medium heat until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the date mixture and stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool for 1 hour, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred, and dried cranberries can work in place of raisins. For a slightly different texture, try using crushed graham crackers combined with a bit of coconut in the crust. This dish is great for potlucks alongside the Fruit, Nut And Turkey Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the date loaf into squares and serve it as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with the Glazed Pineapple Cheese Pie for a delightful dessert spread. You can also serve it alongside a light salad or yogurt for a balanced brunch option. For a fun twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the squares before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for a few hours. To reheat, simply place individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed, but be careful not to overheat, as they can become sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vernie'S Date Loaf contains roughly 1654 calories, with 21g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% 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 make this date loaf vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using vegan marshmallows. This will maintain the sweetness and texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the date loaf gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour as a substitute. This will ensure that the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities while keeping the flavors intact.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the loaf by adding chopped chocolate, coconut flakes, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick. Just be mindful of the balance of wet and dry ingredients to maintain the loaf's texture.
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).