Amazing date nut bread: 1 moist loaf

If you are looking for that recipe tucked away in a worn, stained card box—the one that defines true comfort food baking—then you’ve found it. When I finally committed to conquering the kitchen all those years ago, this date nut bread was one of the first recipes I completely obsessed over mastering. I needed it to be rich, packed with flavor, and almost ridiculously moist. Trust me when I say that batch after batch of testing led me to what I absolutely consider the best date nut bread recipe out there. It’s unbelievably simple, truly old-fashioned, and the resulting loaves redefine what a quick bread should be. Read more about my journey in the kitchen over on my About page. I’m Alex, and I want to share this little piece of kitchen peace with you.

Why This Is the Best Date Nut Bread Recipe You Will Ever Make

Why mess with perfection, right? You are going to love this loaf, especially because it requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum cozy vibes. This isn’t some fussy yeast recipe; this is pure, easy baking magic that feeds your soul. If you are searching for that perfect slice, look no further!

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• It delivers the absolute moist date nut bread experience every single time.
• It easily fits my philosophy that comfort food baking should be simple and accessible.
• It’s an incredibly easy date bread recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gifts. We love recipes over on my Comfort Food page!

Unmatched Moisture and Flavor in Your Date Nut Bread

Listen, the secret sauce—literally—is in the very beginning. When you pour boiling water over those chopped dates and add the baking soda, you’re setting up a reaction that guarantees moisture. That tender crumb you’ll bite into later? That’s thanks to those dates steeping! It keeps the bread unbelievably fresh.

Simple Preparation for Old Fashioned Date Loaf

This truly is an old fashioned date loaf that skips all the annoying steps. Since it’s a quick bread, there’s no kneading, no rising time, and honestly, very little active work once you get started. If you’re new to baking loaves, consider this your easiest confidence builder.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Sweet Date Quick Bread

Okay, gathering your ingredients! For this recipe, I always pull everything out and get it ready before I even turn the oven on. It makes the mixing process so much smoother, and trust me, when you start working on the wet ingredients, you’ll want everything else right there on the counter.

We are going for a full, dark, comforting flavor profile here. You’ll need your flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder for the dry side. For the wet side, we’re using softened butter—and I mean truly softened, not melted!—brown sugar, those lovely eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Then, of course, the stars: pitted dates that you’ll want to chop up fairly small, and the boiling water that we use for that initial soak.

Ingredient Notes and Substitution Options for Date Nut Bread

Let’s talk about making this recipe work for you. The recipe calls for one cup of chopped walnuts, but please know those are totally optional! If you have a nut allergy, or just prefer the loaf purely sweet, leave them out. It will still be amazing as a sweet date quick bread.

Now, for customizations—this is where things get fun! If you happen to have some very ripe bananas lying around, you can absolutely make a delicious banana date bread variation. Just use about a half cup of mashed banana and swap it out for half a cup of those dates you were planning to use. Check your pantry for the exact measurements in the recipe card above!

Also, make sure that brown sugar is nice and packed into your measuring cup. Packing it down ensures you get the right amount of molasses flavor, which is key to this homemade date bread tasting rich and deep.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Date Bread

Alright, let’s actually get baking! This is where we turn those measured ingredients into the incredible loaf you’ve been dreaming about. Don’t rush this part; even though it’s quick bread, respecting the steps ensures we get that coveted texture. Don’t forget to preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) before you even start assembling anything. We want everything ready to go! You can explore more of my essential baking bread tips later on!

Preparing the Dates and Activating the Soda

This initial step is what makes our loaf so deeply flavored and gives us that unbelievable moisture. Take your chopped dates and put them in a bowl that can handle some heat. Then, very carefully, pour that cup of boiling water right over them. Stir in the baking soda now—it’s going to bubble up a little bit, which is exactly what we want! Now, the hardest part: you have to wait ten minutes. This lets the dates soften up completely, which is essential for achieving that perfect, moist date nut bread.

Mixing the Batter for Your Homemade Date Bread

While those dates are soaking, turn your attention to your stand mixer or just a good sturdy bowl. We need to cream the butter and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy—this traps the air! Beat in your eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Once those 10 minutes are up, pour that warm date mixture into your wet ingredients and mix until they are just combined. Don’t worry about a few lumps of date floating around!

Now switch gears. Whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt separately. Remember the golden rule for quick breads? Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients *gradually*. Mix on low speed, or fold gently if using a spatula, only until you can’t see white flour streaks anymore. If you overmix the flour, your beautiful loaf will turn dense! Gently fold in those walnuts if you are using them, pour it all into your prepared pan, and move to the oven!

Baking and Cooling the Date and Walnut Loaf

Your date and walnut loaf needs about 55 to 65 minutes in that 350°F oven. Start checking around the 55-minute mark by sticking a wooden skewer or toothpick right into the center. If it comes out clean, success! If it has wet batter clinging to it, give it another five minutes before checking again.

Here’s a cooling tip that helps maintain that structure: let the bread rest in the hot pan for a full 10 minutes after you pull it out. This firms it up just enough so it doesn’t fall apart when you flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off, I promise!

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Expert Tips for Bakery Style Date Bread

You know how sometimes you get a slice of bread from a really fancy bakery, and it just tastes like it needs another day to set? We can replicate that phenomenal texture right here at home! If you are serious about achieving that true bakery style date bread, you absolutely need to practice what I call ‘the overnight nap.’

When it comes to this date nut bread, the flavor actually deepens significantly after cooling completely, resting, and then being allowed to sit overnight. That’s why this is one of the best make ahead date bread recipes you can find!

Once the loaf is totally cool, wrap it up airtight—I use plastic wrap first, then a layer of foil—and stick it in the fridge or on the counter until the next day. When you slice into it the following morning, it’s denser, the sweetness is more developed, and it slices like a dream. It’s my secret to serving it for weekend breakfasts!

Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Quick Bread Recipe

So you’ve baked this masterpiece! Now what? This date nut bread is so versatile—it easily transitions from a simple morning treat to part of a lovely entertaining spread. Seriously, don’t just save it for dessert!

For your typical morning, this fits right into my favorite category of breakfast bread recipes. A thick slice lightly toasted with a smear of salted butter is pure happiness, especially alongside a hot cup of coffee. It’s sweet enough to feel indulgent but still satisfying enough to keep you going until lunch.

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But if you’re hosting or just feel fancy—and you absolutely should feel fancy—this loaf elevates any grazing platter. Forget those sad, plain crackers! Thin slices of this sweet bread are amazing nestled right next to soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The sweetness of the dates cuts through the richness of the cheese so beautifully. It’s a totally unexpected, delightful addition to your charcuterie board ideas.

It’s also the perfect companion for an afternoon tea time snack. It needs nothing extra, but a little drizzle of honey never hurt anyone!

Storage and Make Ahead Date Bread Instructions

Because this is such a wonderfully moist loaf, keeping it fresh is super important so you can enjoy it over several days! The great news is that this date nut bread is actually better the next day, so it’s already a fantastic make-ahead recipe. I always bake two loaves when I do this—one to eat immediately and one to wrap up!

If you plan on eating it within three or four days, I highly recommend wrapping the cooled loaf very tightly. I use two layers: first, a good wrap in plastic wrap to keep the air out, and then a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil over that. Store it on the counter at room temperature. You’ll be amazed how soft and fresh it stays. Don’t refrigerate it unless your kitchen is incredibly humid, because the fridge can sometimes dry bread out quickly if not sealed perfectly.

What if you want to freeze it? Absolutely! This is truly a great make ahead date bread option for the holidays. Cool the loaf completely, wrap it tightly using that same double-layer method (plastic then foil), and seal it in a freezer-safe bag if you want extra protection against freezer burn. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, just defrost it slowly on the counter overnight. Give it a quick toast, and it tastes just as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions About Date Nut Bread

It’s totally normal to have questions when you are trying a new recipe, especially one that has been handed down in spirit like this one! It’s all about building confidence in the kitchen so you know you won’t end up with a failed loaf. I’ve gathered up the most common things folks ask about this wonderful date nut bread below. Head over to my main blog page for even more baking tips!

Can I make this date nut bread without nuts?

Oh, absolutely, yes! You are not locked into walnuts here. If you skip them completely, you still end up with an equally delicious loaf that’s just a pure, sweet date quick bread. The dates provide plenty of flavor and texture on their own. Just make sure you fold them in gently at the end if you are using any other mix-ins, or just skip that step entirely if you want a pure date experience.

Is this considered a comfort food baking recipe?

In my book, this is the definition of comfort! When I think about what pulled me out of my corporate burnout and into the joy of cooking, recipes like this recipe for date loaf are exactly what comes to mind. It has that incredible warm, spiced, sweet aroma when it bakes. It reminds me of cozy afternoons and simple pleasures. So yes, this is 100% comfort food baking at its finest. It just makes you feel good!

What is the best pan size for this quick bread?

I designed this recipe using a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan because it gives us that perfect baking time—around an hour—and yields a nice tall loaf. If you use a slightly smaller pan, like a mini loaf pan, you’ll need to reduce your baking time, so start checking it earlier. If you use a wider 8×4 pan, it might spread out a little more and could take an extra 5 to 10 minutes to bake all the way through. Just remember that toothpick test!

How do I ensure my homemade date bread slices cleanly?

This one comes back to cooling, just like I mentioned in the expert tips section. You must let it cool in the pan for that initial 10 minutes. If you try to slice it while it’s still piping hot, you’ll smash the beautiful tender crumb you worked so hard to create. After the 10 minutes, turn it out onto the rack. If you can wait until it’s fully cooled before slicing, you’ll get beautiful, uniform pieces perfect for serving or, better yet, letting it sit overnight!

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Nutritional Snapshot of This Homemade Date Bread

I always feel a little nervous sharing the nutritional information because, honestly, who wants to think too hard about a slice of pure comfort food? This homemade date bread is definitely a treat, rich in natural sweetness from the dates and brown sugar, which is why we are seeing those numbers in the sugar category. But remember, these figures are just estimates based on the ingredients listed for one slice serving size. Baking is fun, and enjoying the fruits of your labor is the best part!

I always advise folks to keep in mind that these values can definitely shift based on the exact brand of flour or butter you use, or if you decide to skip the optional walnuts. Think of this as a helpful guideline rather than a strict medical chart. We bake for joy here, not stress!

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 4g

Just a reminder—I am a cook, not a nutritionist! These estimates are based on the recipe details provided. Enjoy your slice knowing that you made it with love right in your own kitchen!

Share Your Experience Making This Date Nut Bread

Now that you’ve followed along, I genuinely hope you loved every moment spent baking this loaf! Did it stay moist? Were the walnuts just right? Please drop a rating and tell me all about it in the comments below. I love hearing how you use my recipes, especially if you made a batch perfect for date bread for gifting—it always makes my day!

Absolutely Delicious, Moist Old-Fashioned Date Nut Bread

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I am so glad you are here. This easy date bread recipe creates an irresistibly moist and flavorful loaf, perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. It is a classic quick bread that brings comfort.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 60 min
• Total Time: 75 min
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings) 1x
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup packed pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Place the chopped dates in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over the dates and stir in the baking soda. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds texture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the date and water mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until no streaks of flour remain. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this sweet date quick bread.

Notes

• For a bakery style date bread, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil and let it sit overnight. The moisture deepens the flavor.
• This bread is excellent served thinly sliced on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and cured meats.
• If you want a banana date bread variation, substitute 1/2 cup of the dates with 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg