Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Recipe

This Ina Garten Date Nut Bread is a moist and classic recipe, which includes chopped dates and walnuts. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

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Ina Garten Date Nut Bread Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped dates
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How To Make Ina Garten Date Nut Bread

1. Prepare the date mixture: In a small bowl, combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
5. Combine wet and dry: Stir the softened date mixture (including liquid) into the butter mixture. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the nuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
7. Bake the bread: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour in the batter and spread evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter or cream cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use pre-chopped dates? Yes, just make sure they’re soft. If dry, soak them a bit longer.
• What kind of nuts are best? Walnuts and pecans are both classic choices and add great texture.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• How to keep it moist: Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container once cooled.
• Optional add-ins: A handful of chocolate chips or a drizzle of glaze can enhance sweetness.

What To Serve With Date Nut Bread

This sweet, dense loaf is delicious with:

• Cream cheese or softened butter
• Hot coffee or spiced tea
• Greek yogurt and fruit
• Maple or honey drizzle

How To Store Date Nut Bread

Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Date Nut Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~310
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 23g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the bread will still be delicious without them.

Is this bread overly sweet?
No, it has a balanced sweetness that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes and check for doneness.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
• Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
• Ina Garten Maple Scones Recipe