Description
A moist and fragrant loaf combining the natural sweetness of dates with bright orange flavors and a tender almond texture, perfect for breakfast, tea, or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped dates (Medjool or Deglet Noor)
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best!)
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping or folding in)
Optional Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tsp orange juice
A touch of orange zest
Instructions
- Simmer chopped dates with orange juice in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes until soft. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
- Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Add cooled date and orange juice mixture to the batter and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top if using.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and a little zest, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Notes
Medjool and Deglet Noor dates are best due to their softness and sweetness.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar adds a richer caramel flavor.
The optional glaze adds a fresh citrus punch and is highly recommended.
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds.
Variations: add walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg