I love a classic loaf, whether it be banana bread, chocolate zucchini bread, or my personal favorite, lemon loaf. Enjoying a slice of bread with a warm cup of tea reminds me of playing “tea party” when I was a little girl.
Now, instead of playing tea with my kids (my boys just aren’t into that sort of thing), I always like to keep a loaf in the freezer in case one of my friends pops over for a visit. Who says grown-ups can’t play tea party anymore?!
This Date and Walnut Loaf is the perfect afternoon snack to enjoy with a cup of tea.
The sweetness of dates combined with the nuttiness of the walnuts and a hint of orange flavor make this bread absolutely divine! It’s so sweet that you don’t need to spread anything on it. Okay, well maybe a little bit of warm butter would be nice…not that I’m condoning it, but I won’t tell anyone if you do.
Recipe adapted from Crazy Plates
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup low-fat graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray or line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with olive oil or parchment paper and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of the flour with the chopped dates and walnuts. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, applesauce, oil, vanilla and orange zest. Add in dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Fold in dates and nuts.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of loaf comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
http://thefithousewife.com/2012/05/date-and-walnut-loaf.html/
The whole family loved this bread. This kids especially. Little do they know that they are getting 1.3 grams of fiber per 1/2 slice! I’ve made it twice since I took these pictures (which wasn’t very long ago!)
A few things that make this bread Fit Housewife worthy:
- the use of dates, which are high in fiber and antioxidants
- healthy fats from the walnuts
- using unsweetened applesauce to replace some of the oil
This bread would be the perfect gift for your new neighbors, your kid’s teacher, your mother, your aunt, your grandma…or just make it for yourself!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey the date cake looks really yummy!!!
It sure is
One of my favorites!