Perfect Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Date nut bread marries sweet, hearty ingredients into a warm, comforting slice of pure delight.

Soft and dense, this classic quick bread transforms ordinary pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Rich dates provide natural sweetness while nuts contribute a satisfying crunch that elevates every bite.

Each slice promises a delectable balance between softness and texture that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Home bakers appreciate how simple ingredients can create such a memorable treat with minimal effort.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this bread works wonderfully as a breakfast companion or afternoon snack.

Weekend baking doesn’t get more delightful than whipping up this crowd-pleasing classic: grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake!

Why Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Is a Cozy Classic

• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: This date nut bread delivers a perfect balance of sweet dates and nutty walnuts, creating a deeply satisfying taste profile that dances between caramel-like sweetness and earthy crunch.
• Enjoy Simple Baking Magic: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home bakers can effortlessly craft a delicious quick bread that feels like a professional bakery dish without complex techniques.
• Experience Cozy Comfort in Every Slice: Perfectly moist and tender, this bread brings warm, nostalgic vibes ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting snack that wraps you in homemade goodness.
• Celebrate Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or paired with coffee, this date nut bread offers incredible flexibility for different moments and personal preferences throughout the day.

What Goes in Ina’s Date Nut Bread Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Dates: Sweet, sticky fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and rich, nutty flavor to the bread.

• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic baking flour that forms the primary structure of the bread.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.

Bake the Perfect Slice of Date Nut Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soften the Dates

• Chop dates
• Cut butter into small pieces

Place dates and butter in a medium bowl. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it sit until the dates become soft and butter melts completely.

Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture

• Egg
• Brown sugar

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the date mixture, stirring minimally to avoid tough bread.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold chopped walnuts into the batter. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should have a golden-brown top and emit a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Add a Twist to Date Nut Bread with Ina’s Help

• Citrus Zinger: Enhance the bread's flavor by adding orange or lemon zest to the batter, creating a bright, tangy profile that complements the sweet dates and rich walnuts.
• Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist that adds extra richness and melty pockets of chocolate throughout the bread.
• Spiced Warmth Blend: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dry ingredients to infuse the bread with warm, aromatic spices that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Coconut Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the batter before baking or mix them into the nut mixture for a tropical texture and nutty undertone.

The Perfect Ending to a Warm Loaf

Delightful Date Nut Bread emerges as a nostalgic companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ina Garten’s recipe weaves together classic ingredients with timeless comfort, creating a slice of pure culinary warmth.

Moist dates and crunchy walnuts dance between layers of rich, tender crumb, promising a sensory experience that connects generations.

Bakers can savor each carefully crafted bite, knowing simplicity often yields the most memorable results.

Kitchen adventures like this invite connection, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

You’ll find this bread irresistible – so snap a photo, share the recipe, and spread deliciousness with friends who crave homemade goodness.

Tips to Keep Your Date Nut Bread Soft and Spiced

• Chop Dates with Care: Finely dice dates to distribute sweetness evenly and prevent dense pockets in your bread.
• Freshen Up Leavening Agents: Replace old baking powder and baking soda to guarantee a light, fluffy bread that rises perfectly.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Experiment with brown sugar quantities to match your personal taste preference, from subtly sweet to rich and decadent.
• Mix Gently for Tender Crumb: Stir batter just until ingredients combine, stopping as soon as no dry streaks remain to keep the bread soft and delicate.
• Boost Nutty Flavor: Quickly toast walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to intensify their warm, roasted taste and create a satisfying crunch.

Storage Tips for Lasting Flavor in Date Nut Bread

• Countertop Preservation: Seal your freshly baked date nut bread in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, protecting it from air exposure. This method keeps the bread moist and flavorful for 2-3 days at room temperature, ensuring each slice remains deliciously soft.
• Freezer Protection: Slice the bread before freezing to make future thawing and serving easier. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen date nut bread maintains its quality for up to 4 months, providing a convenient make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or quick breakfasts.
• Refrigerator Strategy: When storing for short periods, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.

Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s Date Nut Bread brings warmth from classic American baking traditions. Perfect for morning breakfasts or afternoon tea, this rich bread combines sweet dates with crunchy nuts in a delightful homemade treat you’ll savor slice by slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups chopped dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cup butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup boiling water

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Combine chopped dates and unsalted butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the mixture and allow it to rest until the butter melts completely and the mixture cools to room temperature.
3. Gently break down any remaining date clumps using a wooden spoon. Incorporate the large egg and dark brown sugar, stirring until the ingredients form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt to eliminate potential lumps. Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the date mixture, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold in roughly chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean and dry.

Notes

• Toasting walnuts beforehand releases their natural oils, creating a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that elevates the entire bread’s taste.
• Gently folding ingredients prevents overdeveloping gluten, which keeps the bread tender and prevents a dense, chewy result.
• Brown sugar quantity can be personalized to match your sweetness preference, allowing for a more customized baking experience.
• Fresh leavening agents like baking powder and soda ensure the bread rises properly and maintains a light, airy texture.
• Chopping dates finely helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter, preventing large, concentrated clusters in each slice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 193 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg