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
Scale
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
