Name: Date Nut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490518H47M24S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Medjool dates, chopped; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup hot coffee or boiling hot water; 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 63 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting baked goods, you are going to adore this Date Nut Bread Recipe. It’s everything you want in a slice of bread: rich sweetness from juicy dates, crunch from toasted nuts, and an incredible moist texture that feels like a warm hug. This loaf perfectly walks the line between dessert and breakfast, making it a versatile treat at any time of day. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or craving an afternoon pick-me-up, this Date Nut Bread Recipe is an absolute keeper that will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four slices of brown nut and chocolate chip bread are stacked vertically on a white plate. Each slice shows a moist, dense texture with pieces of nuts and dark chocolate chips spread throughout. The top of each slice is shiny and slightly darker brown, while the inside of the bread is lighter brown with visible nuts and chocolate chips creating a mixed pattern. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets you up for success with this classic Date Nut Bread Recipe. Each component brings its own magic to the loaf, from the natural sweetness and chew of chopped Medjool dates to the rich, nutty crunch of pecans, creating a balanced flavor and beautiful texture.

2 cups Medjool dates (chopped): These plump, sweet dates provide the bread’s signature moistness and natural sugar.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Brings a rich, velvety flavor and tender crumb to the bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors for perfect balance.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses undertone and sweetness.
1 cup hot coffee or boiling hot water: Moisturizes the dates and deepens the earthy flavors.
1 large egg (or 1 flax egg): Acts as a binder and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Injects a lovely fragrant sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a perfect lift.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the loaf.
1 cup pecans (or walnuts, chopped): Provides crunch and a toasty nutty flavor to complement the dates.

How to Make Date Nut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Spritz the paper with non-stick cooking spray to make sure your bread slides out easily once baked. Getting this done upfront ensures a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Combine Dates and Dry Ingredients

Mix together the chopped dates, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl. This blend forms the sweet, sticky base of your bread.

Step 3: Add Hot Liquid

Pour the hot coffee or boiling water into your date mixture, stirring everything together. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes so the dates soften and release their wonderful flavors, which will infuse every bite of your bread.

Step 4: Blend in Egg and Vanilla

Once your date mixture has rested, add the egg and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients in thoroughly, which will help bind the batter and introduce delicate flavor notes.

Step 5: Incorporate Baking Powder

Next, whisk in the baking powder. This subtle addition ensures your Date Nut Bread Recipe will have the light, tender texture you’re aiming for.

Step 6: Fold in Flour

Gently fold the all-purpose flour into your wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix — you want to combine all ingredients until just incorporated to keep the bread tender.

Step 7: Add the Nuts

Finally, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts add a delightful crunch and contrast beautifully with the soft, sweet bread.

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread—if it starts to get too dark on top, loosely cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check: if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs, your loaf is done.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before slicing. This bread is so rich and moist, every slice will feel like an indulgent treat made with love.

How to Serve Date Nut Bread Recipe

This image shows five slices of a loaf cake arranged in a line on a white rectangular plate. The cake has a deep brown outer crust with a slightly crispy texture, and the inside is a lighter brown color with visible nuts and small dark spots, likely chocolate or dried fruit pieces. The slices are thick and have a moist, crumbly texture. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A pat of freshly whipped butter or a drizzle of honey on a warm slice elevates the flavor and makes the bread feel truly special. You might also enjoy a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

This Date Nut Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with hot tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. You could also serve it alongside savory cheeses or fresh fruit to create a balanced spread for gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Date Nut Bread into a fun dessert by toasting slices and topping them with cream cheese and a smear of fig jam. Or, cut the bread into cubes and use it for a sweet bread pudding that’s bursting with nutty, date goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Date Nut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick snacks or breakfast the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread with ease! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that fresh-baked warmth and softness. Adding a little butter before warming makes each bite taste like it just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great alternatives and will still give you that satisfying crunch and nutty depth.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use a flax egg in place of the regular egg and swap out butter for a plant-based spread or coconut oil. The bread will still turn out deliciously moist and flavorful.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that’s part of the magic here. Using white sugar might yield a slightly less rich taste and drier texture.

How can I tell when the Date Nut Bread is fully baked?

Use a toothpick to check the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. If it’s wet with batter, it needs more time.

What is the role of the hot coffee or boiling water in the recipe?

The hot liquid softens the chopped dates and helps distribute their flavor throughout the batter. Using coffee adds depth, but plain hot water works well too.

Final Thoughts

Making this Date Nut Bread Recipe is like inviting a little joy into your kitchen and filling your home with cozy, enticing aromas. It’s a gorgeous loaf that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, perfect for treating yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a go, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your baking repertoire!