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Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe

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  • Author: Beverly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a moist, flavorful bread combining the natural sweetness of chopped dates with bright orange zest and juice, enriched with almonds for a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a wholesome dessert, this spiced loaf offers warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, making it a comforting Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s easy to make and enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Date and Orange Mixture

  • 1 cup chopped pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Batter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds, plus extra for topping

Optional

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare Date and Orange Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and freshly squeezed orange juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and absorb most of the liquid. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even mixing. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which could make the loaf dense.
  6. Fold in Date-Orange Mixture and Almonds: Gently fold the cooled date and orange mixture along with the chopped almonds into the batter until evenly distributed.
  7. Prepare Pan and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle extra chopped almonds on top for added texture and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans according to your preference.
  • This loaf freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • Enjoy slices toasted with a bit of butter for a warm breakfast or afternoon tea treat.

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Find it online: https://onepotmealideas.com/date-and-orange-almond-loaf-recipe/