Perfectly Moist Date Nut Bread Recipe You'll Love
This date nut bread recipe is a cozy, one-bowl quick bread packed with tender chopped dates, toasty walnuts, and warm cinnamon. It bakes up soft, flavorful, and beautifully golden—perfect for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with family and friends.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Serrated knife
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup neutral oil like canola or vegetable
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts toasted
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana mashed (for banana date nut bread variation)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over chopped dates and stir in baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add brown sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and the date mixture (including liquid) to the dry mix. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in toasted walnuts and any optional add-ins.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice with a serrated knife and serve.
Notes
Contains tree nuts. Toasting the walnuts before folding them in adds an extra layer of flavor. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for the best texture.