Description
This classic date nut bread by Ina Garten offers a perfect balance of sweet dates and nutty crunch. Homemade bread lovers will appreciate its rich flavor and simple preparation, making it an ideal companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (420 ml)
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (120 ml)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 0.25 cup butter (60 ml)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 175°C (350°F). Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and flour to ensure effortless release.
- Date Mixture: Combine chopped dates and butter in a bowl. Pour boiling water over the ingredients, allowing the butter to melt and the mixture to cool to room temperature. Break down any remaining date clusters with a wooden spoon.
- Wet Ingredients Fusion: Blend the egg and dark brown sugar into the date mixture, creating a smooth, uniform consistency that binds all elements together.
- Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the date mixture. Fold gently to combine, avoiding overmixing. Incorporate walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean, indicating perfect doneness.
Notes
- Butter Melting Technique: Allow boiling water to melt butter naturally, creating a smooth base for the bread’s rich texture.
- Date Preparation: Chop dates finely and break down any clumps to ensure even distribution and consistent moistness throughout the loaf.
- Mixing Method: Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can make the bread tough and dense.
- Nut Distribution: Chop walnuts roughly and fold evenly to create delightful nutty pockets in every slice of the bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg