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Date and Orange Almond Loaf


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  • Author: Cheryl
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

12 tsp orange juice

A touch of orange zest


Instructions

  1. Simmer chopped dates with orange juice in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes until soft. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
  3. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Add cooled date and orange juice mixture to the batter and mix well.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  7. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined—avoid overmixing.
  8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top if using.
  9. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. 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