Date and Nut Loafis an old fashioned date and nut bread recipe is a family favorite from my great-grandma. It’s a simple quick bread recipe made with dates, flour, sugar, and nuts!

Top view of a loaf of date nut bread, half of it cut into slices.

The dates used in this loaf melt into a sweet nothingness unlike a raisin that stays chewy. This bread is moist and very similar to a traditional sweet bread (thinkbanana bread, minus the banana flavor) and deserves some attention!

This is an old fashioned recipe from my family cookbook from my great grandma Ruby Graham. I know that a lot of you have sweet Grandmas who swear by a similar date loaf recipe but this one is the best I have ever tasted. The texture of this date and nut loaf is even better when it’s had a day to sit.

Top view of an unsliced loaf of date nut bread on a striped napkin and cutting board with ramekins of butter, pecans, and dates next to it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A classic recipe passed down from generations, bringing nostalgia and warmth to the table.
Great as a snack, breakfast, or even a holiday gift loaf.
It freezes well so you can make it ahead and enjoy whenever you want without sacrificing taste or texture.

Recipe Ingredients

Dates
Butter
Sugar –Granulated
Egg
Vanilla extract
Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Pecans

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Date Nut Bread

Step #1.Soak chopped dates in boiling water with butter for 10 minutes.

Step #2.Stir sugar into the date mixture, then add egg and vanilla.

Step #3.Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pecans just until combined.

Step #4.Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Today I’m working with my favoriteBob’s Red Millto bring you this recipe from a woman that’s important in my life.March is Women’s History Monthand I wanted to highlight someone from my own life and share one of her recipes.

You all know my love of Bob’s Red Mill. It’s such a great company and their products are ones I use in my kitchen daily. This recipe features theirOrganic All-Purpose Flourwhich also happens to be the base ofmy famous sourdough bread.

A few new Bob’s products that I’m loving right now are theirorganic creamy wheat hot cereal(my kids LOVE it, nice break from oatmeal), theirwild and brown rice mix(I’m throwing it in all the soups), and theirorganic 7 grain pancake and waffle mix(my kids can make breakfast on their own using the mix, I love that. The ingredient list is awesome too).

Here’s a photo of me, my great-grandma Ruby Graham, and my older sister at my grandparents house in Indiana in about 1987 or so. This recipe is hers from our Shoaf Family Cookbook.

I’m so grateful that my mom and her sister-in-laws made a family cookbook sometimes in the 80’s and collected up lots of family recipes. My sister and I redid the book in the early 2000’s so that all of the cousins could have copies of the book that our moms used for years. I still use it all the time.Family and old church cookbooks are such treasure troves!

Recipe FAQs

Are dates healthy?

Dates offer a variety of health benefits including: being high in fiber, contain antioxidants, can improve heart health and keep your digestive system moving.

Do I need yeast to make a date and nut loaf?

This bread is considered to be a “quick bread” so you don’t need any yeast to make it. It is very simple and quick to whip up. You’ll use

How long does date and nut bread stay fresh for?

This bread will stay good when stored properly for 4-5 days at room temperature. It also freezes well and will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months when stored in an airtight container.

What kind of dates do I use for this loaf?

For this particular date and nut loaf I suggest using pitted, dried cooking dates. You can find these in most grocery stores in the baking aisle or with the dried fruit.

Close up of slices of date nut bread on a cooling rack next to a ramekin of butter and the rest of the unsliced loaf.

Expert Tips

Let the bread sit overnight for the best texture. Itenhances flavorand makes slicing easier.
If using pre-chopped dates, ensure they aren’t overly dry. You may want tosoak them slightly longer.
Youcan use walnuts in this recipe if you prefer. The recipe didn’t indicate the types of nuts, so usewhat you like or have on hand.
Rotate the pan halfway through bakingtoensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Top view with a white background on a cooling rack is a loaf of cinnamon colored perfectly baked loaf with a crack in the middle with nuts and dates and flour all around.

How to Serve and Store Date Nut Bread

Date and nut bread is delicious served warm with butter or cream cheese smeared on top accompanied with a cup of tea or coffee. If you like sweet breads, you should also try mycornbread,banana zucchini bread,sourdough banana bread,pumpkin bread, andclassic zucchini bread recipe.

This bread will stay good when stored properly for 4-5 days at room temperature. It also freezes well and will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months when stored in an airtight container.