Date Nut Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a good slice of moist, flavorful bread that feels like a warm hug, you’re in for a treat. This Date Nut Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to quick breads because it’s packed with luscious Medjool dates and crunchy toasted walnuts that come together in the most delicious way. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for more – perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just whenever you crave a sweet, comforting snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Date Nut Bread Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that work in harmony – the rich sweetness of dates balances beautifully with the deep nuttiness of walnuts, and the olive oil keeps things moist without overwhelming flavors. Choosing quality Medjool dates and fresh nuts really lifts the final loaf.

this …

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder: Ensures the loaf rises nicely to a tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Medjool dates: My go-to because they’re plump, naturally sweet, and soft — perfect for soaking.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity of the dates to help the bread rise and keeps the texture light.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity note that blends well with the dates.
• Brown sugar: I like using dark brown sugar here for a richer molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps create a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while baking.
• Walnuts: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunch, then chopped to sprinkle throughout the bread.

Variations

I like to play around with this Date Nut Bread Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s a great base to customize, so feel free to make it your own and experiment!

• Swap the walnuts: I’ve had great results swapping in pecans or even toasted hazelnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives it a cozy holiday vibe that my family goes crazy for.
• Make it vegan: Substitute flax eggs for the regular eggs and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar – it still bakes up beautifully.
• Mix up the dried fruit: I sometimes throw in chopped dried figs or raisins with the dates for extra sweetness and texture variety.

How to Make Date Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Start by spreading your raw walnuts on a baking sheet and toasting them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 7 minutes. This step is essential because it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that really pops in the bread. Once toasted, let them cool before chopping—this keeps the texture perfect and prevents any bitterness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your bread rises beautifully and tastes balanced throughout.

Step 3: Soak the Dates

This is a little trick I learned early on that makes a huge difference—the chopped Medjool dates get soaked in boiling water. This softens them up and plumps them, giving the bread that wonderful gooey texture. Once the mixture cools to room temperature, stir in the baking soda, which interacts with the acidity from the dates to create a tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the date mixture, then whisk everything together. I find whisking here prevents lumps and gets the mixture nice and smooth, which helps your bread bake evenly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want to keep it light and fluffy. Finally, fold in the chopped toasted walnuts, giving the batter a good but gentle stir to evenly distribute the nuts.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour in the batter and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean. For even better accuracy, if you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C). Once baked, cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the moisture redistribute so every slice stays perfectly tender.

How to Serve Date Nut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I often enjoy a warm slice with a light spread of butter or cream cheese for breakfast. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top—it adds a cozy spice note I’ve come to love. If you want to dress it up for guests, a drizzle of honey or a smear of mascarpone cheese elevates it beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai or coffee. For a heartier spread, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a simple omelette – it’s surprisingly versatile and makes any meal feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I’ve sliced this Date Nut Bread and arranged it on a wooden board with clusters of grapes and a variety of cheeses—turning a quick bread into a stunning dessert or snack platter that always wows family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Date Nut Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist without getting soggy. If you want it a bit fresher after a day or two, a quick toast revives that lovely crispy crust.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream. I slice it first, then freeze the slices individually wrapped in parchment paper inside a freezer bag. When I want a quick snack, I pull out a slice, let it thaw at room temp for 10 minutes, and then toast it. The texture and flavor come through beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to toast the slices rather than microwaving them, which helps bring back crisp edges and warm gooey centers. If you’re in a rush, microwaving for 15-20 seconds works too, but you might lose that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Date Nut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s not only easy and quick to make, but it also brings so much warmth and comfort with every bite. I love sharing it with friends and family, watching their faces light up with that first delicious slice. If you want a recipe that’s approachable, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy all year round, give this a try – I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home too.

Print