Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Date and Orange Almond Loaf, a moist and nutty quick bread with a citrus twist. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this Mediterranean-inspired loaf is a true treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates Mixture:
- 1 cup pitted dates (chopped)
- 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). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare dates: In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda, then pour over the boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and orange zest.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Fold in almonds and orange juice.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, sprinkle with almonds, and bake for 55–65 minutes. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This loaf keeps well for several days and tastes better the next day.
- Add a glaze of orange juice and powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Toast 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
