Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe
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.
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 9x5-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