Are you craving a wholesome and satisfying dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious date nut loaf! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with natural sweetness from dates, the satisfying crunch of nuts, and a delightful moist texture that will leave you wanting more. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and a welcome addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped (Medjool dates are recommended for their sweetness)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips for an extra decadent touch
Instructions:
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Prep the Dates: In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over the chopped dates. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to soften. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and tender loaf.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the dates have softened, drain off any excess water. Add the softened dates, applesauce, brown sugar (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. This creates a naturally sweet and flavorful base for your loaf.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a light and fluffy texture.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
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Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips (optional): Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using). This adds a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8x5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Date Nut Loaf:
- Don't skip the soaking: Soaking the dates is essential for a moist and tender loaf.
- Use fresh baking soda: Old baking soda loses its leavening power, resulting in a flat loaf.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough texture.
- Let it cool completely: This allows the loaf to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Variations:
- Spiced Date Nut Loaf: Add a pinch of ginger, cloves, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cranberry Date Nut Loaf: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Peanut Butter Date Nut Loaf: Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter for a nutty and decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per slice is:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy option for a quick dinner idea or a delightful dessert. Enjoy this easy recipe and the wonderful homemade cooking experience! It's perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying a delicious slice for yourself. This recipe is among the best recipes for a reason, and we hope you enjoy it!