Date Nut Spice Bread: Your New Favorite Cozy & Aromatic Treat!

If you’re searching for a bake that fills your home with warmth and nostalgia, look no further than this incredible Date Nut Spice Bread. This classic, rich, and moist loaf is a true testament to the timeless appeal of a good date nut bread, elevating it with a symphony of spices. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe promises pure delight and an aroma that will beckon everyone to the kitchen.

Quick Glance Summary

This Date Nut Spice Bread is a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf, packed with the natural sweetness of dates, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and a harmonious blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a thoughtful gift. The preparation is straightforward, involving simple mixing steps, and yields a tender crumb that stays fresh for days.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe uses common pantry staples along with fresh dates and nuts to create its signature taste and texture.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
1 cup chopped pitted dates
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation Instructions

As you embark on creating this delightful Date Nut Spice Bread, remember that precise measurements and gentle handling are key to its perfect texture. Achieving that moist crumb and aromatic flavor profile is what makes a truly exceptional date nut bread.

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Fold in Dates and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped dates and walnuts (or pecans) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan and allowing it to cool completely on the rack. Slice and serve!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop softened cream cheese (mixed with a touch of sugar and vanilla) over the batter and swirl gently with a knife for a rich, tangy counterpoint.
Orange Zest Infusion: Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the batter along with the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy lift that beautifully complements the spices.
Maple Glaze: Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons milk. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the dates and nuts for a decadent twist.
Toast and Butter: Serve slices lightly toasted with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of mascarpone for a simple yet satisfying treat.

Reviews

Sarah L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This recipe is phenomenal! The bread is so moist and the spice blend is just perfect. My family devoured it in a day. It’s definitely going into my permanent rotation.”

Mark T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe. The dates add such a lovely sweetness and the walnuts give it a great texture. Easy to follow, fantastic results!”

Jessica P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Delicious bread, though I found it a little sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar slightly, but the texture and spice flavor are spot on. A true comfort bake!”

FAQ

Q: Can I use different nuts?
A: Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, pecans or even a mix of nuts would be delicious in this recipe.

Q: How do I store Date Nut Spice Bread?
A: Store the cooled bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can easily make a substitute! Add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a ½-cup measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.

Q: Why is my bread dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking are common culprits for dry bread. Mix until just combined and keep an eye on the baking time, testing with a skewer.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a freshly baked loaf, and this Date Nut Spice Bread delivers every time. Its perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and tender dates makes it a standout among any date nut bread variations you might encounter. We hope you cherish every slice of this heartwarming creation and share its delightful flavors with those you love.

Recipe Note

For an even moister loaf, soak your chopped dates in a bit of hot water or brewed tea for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the batter. Drain them well before incorporating. This helps them stay tender and release more flavor.