Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, moist breads with a bit of natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch, you’re going to love this Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe. I’ve made this bread dozens of times, and every time, it comes out perfectly soft inside with those wonderful nuggets of dates and toasty walnuts that keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet snack that doesn’t feel too heavy, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Stick around—I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your Date Nut Bread turns out just right!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that create a wonderful texture and taste. The combination of dates and walnuts adds natural sweetness and crunch, while the brown sugar and vanilla deepen the flavors beautifully.

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• All-purpose flour: Using plain flour ensures a tender crumb that’s not too dense.
• Baking powder: Adds lift; make sure it’s fresh for best rising.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Boiling water: Key for soaking and softening the chopped dates perfectly.
• Medjool dates: I love Medjool because they’re extra plump and sweet, but any soft dates will work.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic date mixture, helping the bread rise and tenderize.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives a mild fruity richness and keeps the bread moist.
• Brown sugar: I use light or dark depending on what I have; it adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Eggs: At room temperature for smooth batter and proper binding.
• Pure vanilla extract: Always enhances sweetness in baked goods without overpowering.
• Chopped walnuts: Toasting them first makes a huge difference—you’ll notice the crunch and flavor pop!

Variations

I love playing around with this Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe depending on what I have at home or the mood I’m in. Feel free to customize it—this bread really welcomes creativity.

• Add spices: Sometimes I add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice to warm it up, especially in cooler months.
• Swap the nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully too—I once tried a pistachio twist that was a hit!
• Use different dried fruit: Try chopped dried apricots or figs in place of some dates for a lovely variation.
• Make it gluten-free: I experimented with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and the bread still came out tasty, though a bit more delicate.

How to Make Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Toast the walnuts to bring out their flavor

I always start by spreading the raw walnuts on a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven for about 7 minutes at 350°F (180°C). You’ll instantly notice the aroma—it’s so inviting! Make sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn. Once toasted, let them cool completely before chopping into smaller pieces; this keeps the bread from getting soggy and adds that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the dry ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead of time means you can add them smoothly later without any clumps. Trust me, this little prep step saves you frustration down the road.

Step 3: Soak the dates

This is the magic step! Pour boiling water over the diced dates in a separate bowl and let them steep until the mixture cools down to room temperature. Soaking softens the dates and releases their natural sugars into the water, which later infuses the bread with rich flavor. Once cooled, stir in the baking soda—this will give the batter the right lift and tenderness.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients and build the batter

To the cooled date mixture, add the olive oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Fold in the walnuts and bake

Now, gently fold the toasted, chopped walnuts into the batter. Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven at 350°F (or 160°C if you have a fan oven) and bake for 40-45 minutes. I always test by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, or the internal temperature reads 200°F (93°C), it’s done.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so it firms up and is easier to handle. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to cut in right away, but waiting helps maintain the crumb structure so no crumbs fall apart unnecessarily!

How to Serve Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on warm slices—and sometimes a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries on the side makes a nice, fresh contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light smear of mascarpone can really elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the perfect cozy combo. It also goes wonderfully alongside yogurt or a light salad if you want a more balanced brunch. Sometimes my family enjoys it just as is, especially for a quick breakfast on the go.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the bread thin and serving it as little toasts with flavored butter or nut butter. You can also cut into cubes and serve as part of a dessert board with cheeses and fruits. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with twine makes a charming gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep any leftover Date Nut Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge works too, though bring it back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

If I’m not going to finish the loaf in a few days, I slice it first and freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and then placed in a freezer bag. This way, I can just grab a slice when I want it. It freezes beautifully without losing moisture or flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop slices in the toaster or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. This refreshes the bread and brings back a freshly baked vibe every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Date Nut Bread with Walnuts Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite baking projects. There’s something so comforting about slicing into a loaf that’s sweetened naturally with dates and enriched with toasted walnuts. I always feel like I’m sharing a little homemade love with everyone I serve it to. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the simple process, and I promise the result will make you proud (and maybe even a little bit famous in your home!). Happy baking!

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