Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe
If you’re searching for a loaf recipe bursting with bright citrus and rich, nutty notes, look no further than this Date and Orange Almond Loaf. It’s the kind of bake that makes your whole kitchen smell like cozy mornings and feels like an instant treat, whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a sweet mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or shared with friends over coffee. The magic comes from the way juicy dates, toasted almonds, and zesty orange work together to create a moist, fragrant loaf that tastes even better the day after baking. Trust me, you’re about to find a new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Date and Orange Almond Loaf is delightfully straightforward, but don’t let its simplicity fool you — each element brings something essential to the table. It’s all about letting a handful of pantry staples shine, with real flavor from fresh orange and textural pops from chopped almonds.
- Chopped Dates (1 cup): Subtle caramel sweetness and chewiness are the backbone of this loaf — use fresh, soft dates if you can!
- Boiling Water (1 cup): Softens up those chopped dates for a lush, pudding-like texture in the finished bake.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This is mixed with the dates to help break them down and keep the loaf extra moist.
- Unsalted Butter, softened (½ cup): Classic richness that forms a luscious, tender crumb.
- Packed Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brings a molasses depth that pairs so well with dates and orange.
- Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and keep everything perfectly bound together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and brings gentle warmth.
- Zest of 1 Large Orange: The real star for citrus perfume — zest first, then juice!
- All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups): The base that gives the loaf its satisfying, sliceable texture.
- Baking Powder (1½ teaspoons): Adds extra lift for a pretty, domed loaf.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to sharpen every flavor note.
- Chopped Almonds (½ cup, plus more for topping): They toast up beautifully on top and add a lovely bite inside.
- Orange Juice (2 tablespoons): A splash at the end enlivens the crumb with fresh citrus tang.
How to Make Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment; this ensures a flawless release and perfectly neat slices every time. In a small bowl, combine your chopped dates with baking soda, then pour over the boiling water — letting the dates soak for about 10 minutes will make them extra soft and sticky, which is exactly what you want for a moist Date and Orange Almond Loaf.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step sets you up for a moist, airy loaf, so don’t rush it! Add your eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and all that glorious orange zest.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures an even rise and prevents little lumps of leavening in the batter, creating a delicate crumb for your Date and Orange Almond Loaf.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the date mixture (yes, with all its soaking liquid) to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped almonds and that fresh squeeze of orange juice. Try not to overmix at this stage — a few streaks of flour are perfectly okay!
Step 5: Bake!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and give it a gentle smooth on top. If you like, scatter more chopped almonds over the surface for crunch and visual appeal. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow your Date and Orange Almond Loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a rack to cool completely. The patience is worth it!
How to Serve Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Garnishes
Dress up your loaf with extra chopped almonds sprinkled on top, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar for an extra pop of citrus and a bakery-style finish. Even without any toppings, a dusting of powdered sugar is always a welcome touch to highlight those golden edges.
Side Dishes
Date and Orange Almond Loaf is right at home with a cup of strong coffee, good English breakfast tea, or even a dollop of lightly sweetened yogurt and fresh fruit alongside. For brunchy occasions, serve it with scrambled eggs and fresh orange slices to echo its flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing this loaf thickly and toasting it, then spreading with a little salted butter or mascarpone cheese. For parties, cut into mini squares and thread onto skewers with pieces of fresh orange. It also makes a thoughtful gift — just wrap in pretty parchment and tie with twine for a beautiful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled Date and Orange Almond Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors deepen and meld beautifully after the first day.
Freezing
This loaf freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, then wrap either whole or in slices in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight bag for up to three months. When you’re ready for a slice, just let it defrost at room temperature or gently reheat in the toaster.
Reheating
Place individual slices in your toaster or a warm oven for a few minutes to bring out the flavors and crisp up the edges — it tastes like it’s freshly baked all over again. If you’ve gone for a glaze, just reheat gently to avoid melting it away.
FAQs
Can I substitute another nut for the almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make delicious swaps if you prefer, though the almonds really capture that Mediterranean-inspired flavor in Date and Orange Almond Loaf.
Do I have to use orange, or can I use lemon zest and juice?
You can! Lemon makes a brighter, tangier loaf that’s just as tempting, but for a classic Date and Orange Almond Loaf, orange is the winning choice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap in a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The loaf will still be beautifully moist and flavorful — just keep an eye on baking times as they can vary slightly.
How do I toast almonds for the topping?
Simply spread the chopped almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool before sprinkling over your Date and Orange Almond Loaf.
Is this loaf suitable for freezing with the glaze on?
It’s best to freeze the loaf unglazed. Apply your orange glaze after thawing for the freshest, prettiest finish on your Date and Orange Almond Loaf.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your baking routine, the Date and Orange Almond Loaf is truly a must-try. It’s simple to make, full of character, and just happens to be the sort of recipe that makes people ask you for seconds (and for the recipe itself!). Give it a go and let it become one of your favorite homemade treats.
Print
Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired quick bread that balances the sweetness of dates with the bright citrus flavors of orange. With a hint of almond crunch and a moist crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Dates:
- 1 cup pitted dates (chopped)
Boiling Water Mixture:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Batter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped almonds (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
- Soften dates: Combine chopped dates with baking soda and boiling water, then let sit for 10 minutes.
- Prepare batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix dry ingredients, then combine with date mixture, almonds, and orange juice.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with almonds, and bake for 55–65 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- This loaf keeps well for several days and tastes even better the next day.
- Add a glaze of orange juice and powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Toast the almonds for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
