If you enjoy sweet, moist and nutty treats, this Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe is perfect. It’s full of rich flavors and easy to make.
The Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe is ideal for breakfast, snacks or tea time. If you want to learn How to make Ina Garten Date Nut Bread, follow this step-by-step guide.
Here are the best Ingredients for Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe to make a delicious loaf at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is ripe dates and crunchy walnuts. Dates add natural sweetness and moisture, while nuts provide texture.
The batter is simple, and baking slowly ensures the bread stays tender. A pinch of baking soda gives it a perfect rise.
Mixing ingredients gently avoids dense bread. The result is soft, flavorful and perfect for slicing.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Course: Snack / Dessert / Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe
- 1 ½ cups chopped dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan for even baking. - Prepare Dates
Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour boiling water and baking soda over them. Let sit 5–10 minutes to soften. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a spoon or whisk. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and uniform. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir gently to mix evenly. - Combine Wet and Dry
Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir until partially combined, leaving some lumps for texture. - Add Dates and Nuts
Fold in soaked dates along with their liquid and chopped walnuts. Mix gently until evenly distributed. - Pour into Pan
Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. - Bake Bread
Bake in preheated oven for 50–55 minutes. Insert a toothpick in center; it should come out clean. - Cool Before Slicing
Remove from oven. Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor
- Add orange zest for subtle citrus notes
- Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a slight crust
- Substitute some dates with dried figs or raisins
- Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap to keep moist
- Serve with butter, cream cheese or jam
- Toast slices lightly for extra flavor
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe as a snack, dessert or breakfast.
- Pairs well with tea, coffee or milk.
- Spread butter, cream cheese or jam for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Reheat slices in the toaster or oven for a warm, soft treat.
- Freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw before slicing.
Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan for even baking.
Prepare Dates
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour boiling water and baking soda over them. Let sit 5–10 minutes to soften.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a spoon or whisk.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Mix in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and uniform.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir gently to mix evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir until partially combined, leaving some lumps for texture.
Add Dates and Nuts
- Fold in soaked dates along with their liquid and chopped walnuts. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
Pour into Pan
- Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake Bread
- Bake in preheated oven for 50–55 minutes. Insert a toothpick in center; it should come out clean.
Cool Before Slicing
- Remove from oven. Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor
- Add orange zest for subtle citrus notes
- Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a slight crust
- Substitute some dates with dried figs or raisins
- Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap to keep moist
- Serve with butter, cream cheese, or jam
- Toast slices lightly for extra flavor
FAQs about Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well and add unique flavor and texture.
2. Can I make this bread vegan?
You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
3. How do I store the bread for longer?
Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer.
4. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter, indulgent variation.
5. Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing batter or using too much flour can make bread dense. Mix gently and measure ingredients carefully.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe is moist, flavorful and easy to make. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Date Nut Bread step by step.
With simple Ingredients for Ina Garten Date Nut Bread, you can bake a delicious treat for breakfast, snack or dessert.
Try this recipe today and enjoy soft, sweet and nutty slices that everyone will love.
Eliza Lane is a home cook and recipe creator at ElizaKitchen.com, sharing easy, tested recipes made with simple ingredients. Her goal is to make cooking simple, comforting and enjoyable.