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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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