Grandma’s Date Nut Bread

There’s a timeless allure to a perfectly baked loaf of date nut bread. This old-fashioned recipe offers a rich, comforting experience that transcends generations, making it an ideal choice for any time of day. Whether enjoyed for a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea, its tender crumb and naturally sweet flavor are sure to bring a smile. Our recipe is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the natural sweetness of dates with a subtle depth from hot coffee, creating a harmonious balance that is both simple and profoundly satisfying. If you’ve been seeking that quintessential, classic date nut bread recipe, look no further – this is truly the one you’ll cherish and pass down.

The Enduring Appeal of This Date Nut Bread Recipe

What makes this particular date nut bread recipe so beloved and consistently successful? It’s a combination of thoughtfully selected ingredients and simple baking techniques that yield spectacular results every time. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Naturally Moist & Sweet: The inclusion of soft, luscious dates not only provides a natural sweetness that lessens the need for excessive added sugar but also ensures the loaf remains incredibly moist and tender. Dates are nature’s candy, bringing a delightful chewiness and caramel-like flavor.
• Perfect Texture Harmony: The generous addition of crunchy nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, provides a wonderful textural contrast to the soft dates and tender bread crumb. This creates an exciting bite that balances the sweet, earthy notes beautifully.
• Flavor Depth from Coffee: A unique touch in this recipe is the use of hot coffee. It doesn’t make the bread taste like coffee; rather, it subtly deepens the flavor profile of the dates and spices, adding a layer of complexity and richness that truly elevates the loaf beyond the ordinary.
• Effortless to Bake: Despite its impressive flavor, this is a straightforward quick bread recipe, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It requires no yeast or complicated techniques, making it a joy to prepare.
• Versatile for Gifting & Freezing: This bread isn’t just for immediate enjoyment. It makes a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family, and its excellent freezing qualities mean you can always have a slice ready for a spontaneous craving or unexpected guests.
• A Wholesome Indulgence: While undeniably delicious, this date nut bread offers a more wholesome alternative to many other sweet treats, packing in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from dates and nuts.

Nourishing Your Body: The Nutritional Benefits of Date Bread

Beyond its delicious taste, date nut bread, particularly when made with wholesome ingredients, offers a surprising array of nutritional benefits. Dates, often called nature’s power fruit, are nutritional superstars, and when combined with nuts, they create a snack or meal accompaniment that can contribute positively to your diet.

• Rich in Dietary Fiber: Dates are exceptionally high in dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber helps to promote regularity, prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods like date bread can also help you feel fuller for longer, assisting in weight management and curbing unhealthy cravings. This makes date bread a satisfying option that aids in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Powerhouse of Vitamins & Minerals: These little fruits are packed with essential micronutrients. They contain iron, vital for healthy red blood cell production and preventing anemia, especially important for energy levels. Potassium and magnesium are present, which play key roles in regulating blood pressure, supporting nerve function, and contributing to overall heart health. Dates also provide Vitamin B6, which supports increased cognitive function, helps in the metabolism of protein, and can even contribute to an improved mood.
• Antioxidant Protection: Dates are rich in various antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid. These compounds are crucial for protecting your body’s cells from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation. By incorporating dates into your diet, you’re essentially adding a powerful layer of cellular defense against environmental damage and chronic diseases.
• Source of Healthy Fats and Protein (with Nuts): While dates themselves are not a primary source of protein or fat, when paired with protein-rich foods like the nuts in our date bread, the nutritional profile significantly improves. Nuts, such as pecans and walnuts, contribute healthy unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and additional protein, enhancing the bread’s satiety and nutritional value. This combination makes for a more balanced and energy-sustaining snack.

Enjoying a slice of this wholesome date nut bread means you’re not just indulging in a tasty treat, but also providing your body with valuable nutrients that support overall health and well-being.

Essential Ingredients for This Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

Creating this classic date nut bread requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. The quality of each component truly shines through in the final product, so choose wisely!

Ingredients for a Classic Date Nut Bread

• 2 cups Medjool dates, chopped: Medjool dates are preferred for their soft, chewy texture and rich, caramel-like sweetness. Pitted and roughly chopped, they are the star of the show.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bread. Melting it helps integrate it smoothly into the batter.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent reacts with the acidic components (like brown sugar and coffee) to give the bread its rise and tender texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in the bread.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-like flavor compared to white sugar, complementing the dates beautifully.
• 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water: Hot coffee is highly recommended as it adds an incredible depth of flavor without making the bread taste distinctly like coffee. Boiling water works as a substitute if preferred.
• 1 large egg or 1 flax egg: The egg binds the ingredients together, adds moisture, and contributes to the structure. A flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that provides warmth and complexity to the sweet notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that works alongside baking soda to ensure a light and airy crumb.
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundational dry ingredient, providing structure to the bread.
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: These nuts add crucial crunch and a pleasant nutty flavor. While pecans and walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other favorites like almonds or hazelnuts.

Crafting Perfection: How to Make This Easy Date Nut Bread

Baking this date nut bread is a wonderfully straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and comforting warmth.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray to ensure no sticking. This preparation is key for a clean release.
2. Combine Wet and Date Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped Medjool dates, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Give them a quick stir to coat the dates evenly.
3. Infuse with Hot Liquid: Pour the hot coffee (or boiling water) directly over the date mixture. Stir everything together gently until well combined. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 15 minutes. This crucial step softens the dates beautifully, allowing them to meld seamlessly into the batter and release their natural sweetness.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: After the dates have softened, stir in the large egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract. Mix until they are fully incorporated into the wet mixture, ensuring a homogenous base for your bread.
5. Introduce Leavening: Sprinkle the baking powder over the mixture and mix again briefly. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise.
6. Gently Fold in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour into the mixture just until it’s combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dry loaf. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
7. Incorporate the Nuts: Finally, gently fold in your chopped pecans or walnuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Again, mix minimally to prevent overworking the dough.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter into your lined loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45–55 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes; if the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely tent it with aluminum foil. The bread is done when a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming gummy. The wait is worth it for such a rich and moist treat!

Storing Your Delicious Date Nut Bread

To keep your homemade date nut bread fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Whether you plan to enjoy it immediately or save some for later, these tips will ensure maximum freshness:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once your loaf has completely cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container. This method will keep the bread fresh and moist for up to 4 days on your countertop. Avoid refrigerating quick breads unless specified, as it can often dry them out prematurely.
• Freezing for Long-Term Enjoyment: Date nut bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or future treats. To freeze, ensure the bread is fully cooled. You can freeze the entire loaf wrapped tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or slice it first. For individual servings, wrap each slice in parchment paper, then tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bread can last for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, you can thaw it at room temperature for about an hour, or warm it directly from frozen in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a toaster oven until heated through and lightly toasted. A warmed slice with a dollop of butter is a true delight!

Unleash Your Creativity: Customizing Your Date Nut Bread Recipe

This classic date nut bread recipe is a fantastic starting point, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences. Don’t hesitate to personalize it!

• Make it Vegan: To transform this into a delightful vegan treat, substitute the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Ensure you use a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative. Another option for replacing eggs is using mashed ripe bananas, which also add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Sugar Swaps for Different Tastes: While brown sugar offers a classic flavor, you can experiment with other sweeteners. Try coconut sugar for a slightly less refined option with a subtle caramel note, or a granulated monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb alternative. Adjust quantities as needed based on the sweetness level of your chosen substitute.
• Gluten-Free Version: For those with gluten sensitivities, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used. Many excellent blends are available that work seamlessly in quick bread recipes, ensuring a tender crumb without the gluten.
• Whole Wheat Option: If you prefer a nuttier taste and added fiber, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. This will result in a denser loaf with a more robust, earthy flavor profile.
• Elevate with Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra special indulgence, consider topping your cooled date nut bread with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A simple frosting made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla can turn this comforting bread into an elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth and complexity, especially delightful during the cooler months.
• Add Dried Fruits or Zest: Incorporate other finely chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for varied texture and flavor, or a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Date Nut Bread

Here are answers to some common questions that arise when baking homemade date nut bread, helping you achieve the best possible results.

Can I use pre-chopped, bagged dates?
Yes, absolutely! Pre-chopped dates are convenient. However, it’s crucial to ensure they are soft and pliable. If your bagged dates seem dry or hard, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or hot coffee for about 10-15 minutes, then drain them thoroughly before adding them to the recipe. This will ensure your bread is perfectly moist.

What’s the best type of nut to use in date nut bread?
Pecans and walnuts are the quintessential choices for classic date nut bread, offering a wonderful balance of flavor and crunch. Their earthy notes pair exceptionally well with the sweetness of the dates. However, feel free to experiment with other nuts like chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mix for a unique twist. Always ensure your nuts are fresh for the best flavor.

Do I have to use coffee in the recipe? What if I don’t drink coffee?
No, you don’t have to use coffee if you prefer not to. Hot boiling water can be used as a direct substitute. However, it’s highly recommended to use coffee if possible, as it significantly deepens and enhances the flavor of the dates and the overall bread without imparting a strong coffee taste. It creates a richer, more complex profile that truly sets this old-fashioned recipe apart.

How can I tell if my bread is fully baked?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again. The internal temperature should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C).

My bread top is browning too fast; what should I do?
If you notice the top of your date nut bread is browning quickly but the center isn’t fully baked, simply loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This will protect the crust from burning while allowing the interior to cook through.

Serving Suggestions for Date Nut Bread

Once your delectable date nut bread is baked and cooled, the possibilities for enjoying it are endless. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most of this classic treat:

• Simply Sliced: The most traditional way to enjoy date nut bread is simply sliced. Its rich flavor and moist texture are truly best appreciated on their own, allowing the natural sweetness of the dates and the crunch of the nuts to shine.
• With Butter or Cream Cheese: A thin layer of softened butter or a generous smear of cream cheese takes this bread to another level. The tanginess of the cream cheese creates a delightful contrast with the sweet dates.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea: This bread is the quintessential accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The subtle notes in the coffee enhance the bread’s flavor, making for a perfect pairing.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it as part of a larger breakfast spread, alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. It’s a satisfying and comforting addition to any brunch table.
• As a Dessert: While often considered a quick bread, a slice of warm date nut bread can easily serve as a light dessert. Consider a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.
• Gifting: Wrapped in parchment paper, tied with twine, and perhaps adorned with a small sprig of rosemary, a loaf of homemade date nut bread makes a thoughtful and cherished gift for holidays, hostess gifts, or just to show appreciation.

Final Thoughts on This Unforgettable Date Nut Bread Recipe

This old-fashioned date nut bread is far more than just a simple bake; it’s a culinary hug, a taste of nostalgia, and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic recipes. It’s the kind of bake that effortlessly conjures memories of home, holiday gatherings, and tranquil, slow mornings. With its perfectly tender crumb, generous helping of sweet dates, and crunchy nuts, all elevated by the secret ingredient of hot coffee, it delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture with remarkable ease. Whether you’re baking it for a quiet moment of personal indulgence or to share with loved ones, this date nut bread promises to be a cherished addition to your recipe collection. It’s a comforting classic that truly stands the test of time, proving that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most profound joy.

Follow onPinterest, Instagram and Facebook for recipe updates, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration.

More Quick Breads to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking this date nut bread, you’ll love exploring other delightful quick bread recipes. These loaves are simple to make and perfect for any occasion:

• Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread
• Cinnamon Applesauce Bread
• Super Easy Banana Bread Recipe!
• Easy Blueberry Banana Bread
• Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Bread