Sweet and satisfying: the secret to perfect date nut bread revealed recipe included

Indulge in the delectable flavors of this classic date nut bread recipe. With its moist crumb, chewy dates, and crunchy walnuts, this bread is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in Dates and Walnuts: Stir in the chopped dates and walnuts.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations:

• Spiced Date Nut Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
• Chocolate Chip Date Nut Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Banana Date Nut Bread: Mash 1 ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Date Nut Bread: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Tips:

• For a moister bread, use sour cream instead of buttermilk.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• To prevent the bread from overbrowning, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve date nut bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
• Toast the bread and top with your favorite fruit preserves.
• Crumble the bread and use it as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.

Storage:

• Date nut bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

The History of Date Nut Bread

The origins of date nut bread are traced back to the Middle East, where dates have been cultivated for centuries. The sweet and nutty flavor of dates made them a popular ingredient in baked goods. Date nut bread was brought to the United States by early settlers and quickly became a favorite.

The Nutritional Value of Date Nut Bread

Date nut bread is a nutritious snack or breakfast option. Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Walnuts provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.

Top Questions Asked

1. Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the walnuts with any other type of nut, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. How can I make this bread vegan?

To make this bread vegan, replace the buttermilk with almond milk and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).