Date Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mariani Chopped Dates
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Instructions
- 1. Place Mariani Chopped Dates in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to let the dates soften, bringing natural sweetness to the bread.
- 2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 3. Butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- 4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 5. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- 6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- 7. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the softened dates (with soaking water) into the creamed butter mixture until just combined.
- 8. Fold in chopped walnuts for an extra nutty bite.
- 9. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a rack to cool completely. Serve slices plain or with a spread of cream cheese for an extra touch of coziness.
