Date Loaf
This recipe is from the Edmonds Cook Book. My kids love this, especially as an after school snack with a glass of milk. It has a lovely rich caramel flavour. I make mine without the walnuts and it's still great. Prep time includes 1 hour for soaking dates in boiling water.
This recipe is from the Edmonds Cook Book. My kids love this, especially as an after school snack with a glass of milk. It has a lovely rich caramel flavour. I make mine without the walnuts and it's still great. Prep time includes 1 hour for soaking dates in boiling water.
- Carbohydrate 634.428571375337 g
- Cholesterol 521.81979167312 mg
- Fat 342.752877920144 g
- Fiber 30.0159991455078 g
- Protein 43.4514904119069 g
- Saturated Fat 138.063073335551 g
- Serving Size 1 1 loaf (1330g)
- Sodium 1608.55967776805 mg
- Sugar 604.412572229829 g
- Trans Fat 20.7362342502709 g
- Calories 5522 calories
Step-by-step
- Put dates, boiling water, butter and baking soda into a bowl and stir until butter is melted.
- Set aside for one hour.
- Beat sugar, egg, vanilla essence and walnuts (if using) into date mixture.
- Sift in flour and baking powder and stir until just combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased 22cm loaf tin and bake in a 180C oven for 45 minutes or until inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Leave in tin for about 10 minutes before turning out onto cooling rack.
My Go-To Date Loaf: A Family Favorite
As a busy mom, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy. This date loaf recipe, adapted from the Edmonds Cook Book, has become a staple in our household. My kids practically devour it – it's the perfect after-school treat, especially with a cold glass of milk. The rich caramel flavor is simply irresistible, and the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!
I've tweaked the original recipe slightly over the years. Honestly, the walnuts are optional. I often skip them altogether, and the loaf still turns out wonderfully moist and delicious. The soaking time for the dates is crucial, though. It allows them to soften beautifully and really infuse the batter with that incredible caramel sweetness. That hour of soaking feels like a small price to pay for the delicious results.
This recipe is more than just a simple snack; it’s a testament to the power of uncomplicated baking. It's a recipe that evokes memories of cozy afternoons and family gatherings. The aroma of warm spices and sweet dates fills the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. It's the kind of recipe that's easy enough for even novice bakers to tackle, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
The beauty of this date loaf lies in its versatility. It's fantastic served warm from the oven, slightly cooled, or even at room temperature. It holds up beautifully and tastes just as delightful a day or two later (if it lasts that long!). I've even been known to crumble it over vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe offers a sense of accomplishment. Knowing you've created something delicious and satisfying from simple ingredients is incredibly rewarding. It’s a small act of love, a tangible representation of care, that brings joy to both the baker and those lucky enough to taste it. And that, for me, is what makes it truly special.
Baking isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about creating memories. This date loaf is more than just a recipe; it’s a story, a tradition in the making, and a delicious way to share a little bit of love with those you care about.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, yet extraordinary recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further. This date loaf is guaranteed to become a family favorite, a comforting classic that you’ll turn to time and time again.
Tips and variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Instead of walnuts, try adding chopped pecans, almonds, or even dried cranberries.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled loaf for an extra decadent treat.
- Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy the baking process, and savor every delicious bite of this simple, yet unforgettable date loaf.
