Name: Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 g chopped pitted dates (1 cup); 180 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (3/4 cup); 1/2 tsp baking soda; 115 g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup); 100 g brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed); 2 large eggs; Zest of 1 orange; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups); 50 g ground almonds (1/2 cup)

This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a beautifully moist and flavorful treat that blends the sweetness of dates with the bright, zesty flavor of orange. A hint of almond adds richness and depth to the loaf, making it a perfect addition to any tea or coffee break.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. The dates provide a natural, deep sweetness, while the orange juice and zest give the loaf a refreshing citrus punch. The almond flour adds a bit of texture and nuttiness, creating a loaf that’s not only delicious but also satisfying. It’s simple to make, with a few basic ingredients, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on my own.

Ingredients

For the loaf:

150 g chopped pitted dates (1 cup)

180 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (3/4 cup)

1/2 tsp baking soda

115 g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)

100 g brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)

2 large eggs

Zest of 1 orange

1 tsp vanilla extract

200 g all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups)

50 g ground almonds (1/2 cup)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dates have softened and absorbed the juice. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Let it cool for a few minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the flour and ground almonds, mixing until just combined.

Add the cooled date mixture to the batter and mix until incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add nuts or seeds: I like to sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds over the top of the loaf before baking for added crunch and texture.

Make it gluten-free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to also use gluten-free baking soda.

Spice it up: For a warm, cozy flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. It complements the orange and date flavors beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

This loaf keeps well for a few days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If I need to store it longer, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, I slice the loaf and warm individual pieces in the microwave or oven for a few minutes.

Related Recipes:

Sticky Toffee Pudding

FAQs

How long will the Date and Orange Almond Loaf last?

The loaf will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If I freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months.

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes! I often make it a day or two in advance. It actually gets a little more flavorful as the ingredients meld together. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.

Can I substitute the ground almonds with something else?

If I don’t have ground almonds, I can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or almond meal. Ground oats can also be a good option if I want a slightly different texture.

Can I use other fruits instead of dates?

I think other dried fruits like raisins or dried apricots would work well as a substitute. I would chop them into smaller pieces before using them.

Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?

Yes! If I want to make two loaves, I just double the ingredients and divide the batter between two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Be sure to check the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a wonderfully moist and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of dates with the bright, zesty orange. The addition of almonds creates a satisfying texture and flavor that makes every bite a delight. Whether I’m baking it for a special occasion or just enjoying it with a cup of tea, this loaf is sure to impress.

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