Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread
Try this Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread recipe.
Try this Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread recipe.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- 1 1/2 cup dates pitted and chopped
- 2 ounces cointreau or other orange flavored liqueur (option
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (i used dark cane sugar)
- 1 tablespoon butter coconut oil or vegan spread
- zest of one orange (about a tablespoon)
- 1 - 2 tablespoons sugar as desired
- zest from half an orange
- Carbohydrate 353.930344513673 g
- Cholesterol 550.41895082 mg
- Fat 272.630280085547 g
- Fiber 9.48543351682027 g
- Protein 33.60314343966 g
- Saturated Fat 131.496996659571 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (917g)
- Sodium 1495.78378271867 mg
- Sugar 344.444910996853 g
- Trans Fat 22.1956330163087 g
- Calories 3859 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9" loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Soak the dates in a medium sized bowl along with the orange liqueur and boiling water. Allow to cool. Don't drain. (If not using the liqueur, add a little more water).
- Cream the sugar together with the butter and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the dates along with the cardamom, cinnamon and orange zest.
- Measure in the flour, baking soda and salt and mix well. It should look like a wet batter. Add a little bit of water if necessary.
- Transfer to the loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. It should be nearly finished. Cover the top with foil if necessary to prevent over browning.
- Bake for another 10 - 20 minutes until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- To make the Cream Cheese Spread, mix the cream cheese with the sugar, orange zest and optional vanilla.
- Spread on plain or toasted slices of the date nut bread.
My Cozy Kitchen Adventures: Date Nut Bread Bliss
The aroma of warm spices and sweet dates filled my kitchen today, a comforting scent that instantly transported me back to my grandmother's baking days. I've always loved baking, it’s a way for me to express my creativity and share a little piece of myself with others. This Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread recipe isn't just another loaf of bread; it's a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's the perfect treat for a quiet afternoon with a good book, a cozy night in with loved ones, or even a thoughtful gift for a friend. The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most delicious things are the easiest to make.
The process is incredibly satisfying. From the moment I begin soaking the dates in warm water and orange liqueur (a touch of sophisticated flair, I must say!), to the gentle creaming of butter and sugar, each step feels like a small act of self-care. The rich, dark cane sugar I used adds a lovely depth of flavor, a subtle caramel note that elevates the entire bread. The addition of chopped walnuts provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of the dates. And the orange zest? Oh, the orange zest! It lends a bright, citrusy lift, cutting through the sweetness and adding a refreshing complexity. The batter itself is wonderfully moist, a testament to the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients. Baking the bread is a patient affair, a time to relax and let the oven work its magic. The final result is a loaf of bread that's simply irresistible – moist, flavorful, and beautifully aromatic.
The orange cream cheese spread is the perfect complement to the date nut bread. It's incredibly simple to prepare: a quick swirl of cream cheese, a touch of sugar, and the fragrant zest of an orange. The result is a tangy, creamy spread that perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread. I often find myself enjoying a thick slice of warm date nut bread, slathered with this delightful spread, with a steaming cup of tea in the early morning before the day's activities start. It’s a simple pleasure, but a vital one, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small moments of joy. The recipe is versatile too; you can easily adjust the sweetness to your preference and substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs. I often experiment with different nuts, using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, creating a unique flavor profile each time. The possibilities are endless!
Baking is more than just following a recipe; it's a journey, a process of experimentation and discovery. It’s a way to connect with my heritage, my family, and myself. This Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making, a comforting ritual, and a delicious reminder of the simple joys in life. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic begin. You'll be rewarded with a loaf of bread that's not only delicious but also deeply satisfying. And who knows? Perhaps you’ll discover a newfound love for baking, just as I have.
Beyond the Baking: This bread also makes a wonderful gift. Imagine the joy on a friend's face when they receive a warm, homemade loaf, a small gesture that speaks volumes. Tie it with a pretty ribbon, add a handwritten card, and you have a present that's both thoughtful and delicious. The possibilities are endless!
Sharing the Love: Baking is a fantastic way to connect with others. Invite friends over for a coffee and bread tasting, or share your baked goods with neighbors. It's a simple act of kindness that can brighten someone's day, and it's a fantastic way to share your passion for baking. The act of giving and receiving homemade treats is a powerful act of connection, something that truly touches the soul.
A Little Slice of Heaven: For me, this Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Spread represents more than just a recipe. It is a slice of heaven, a moment of peace, a little piece of comfort and joy in a sometimes chaotic world. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the simple things, and appreciate the beauty of homemade goodness. And that, my friends, is something truly priceless.
