Date Nut Bread Recipe

Written BY

Taysir El Abed

Passionate about olive oil and love traveling

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May 28, 2023

Origin of the Date Nut Bread Recipe 

The English word "date" comes from the Greek word dáchtylo, meaning "finger," likely due to their shape. 

Dates are an ancient fruit believed to have been cultivated in Egypt around 4000 BC. In certain parts of the world like Tunisia, dates are a significant part of the country's culinary traditions and are commonly consumed as a snack or used in various dishes and desserts. They are also of cultural importance and are often associated with religious events and celebrations, such as Ramadan.

Recipes for date bread can be traced back to the 1930s, although fruited breads have been known in various regions and time periods. The earliest recorded recipe for date bread emerged in Britain in 1939 and gained popularity as a winter treat, especially during holidays like Christmas and New Year.

source: Southern Cast Iron

How to make date nut bread?

  • Prep time: 10 min
  • Bake time: 45 min to 55 min
  • Total time: 55 min to 1 hr 05 min

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup cut-up dates
  • 1 ½  teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare a greased loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl mix the walnuts, dates, baking soda, and salt with a fork.  Stir in the olive oil and boiling water.  Let stand for 20 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs with a fork.  Add the vanilla, then sugar and flour, beating with a fork or wisk.  Add the date mixture, mixing by hand, just to blend.
  4. Pour into the greased loaf pan.  
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a small knife or toothpick inderted in the middle comes out clean.

Et voila your date nut bread is ready to be served. Enjoy it!

Further Reading
Tunisian Couscous Recipe
Tunisian couscous is a traditional and a staple dish from Tunisia. It is delicious when following a good recipe but first do you know what is couscous and its origin? 
April 30, 2023
How to Taste Olive Oil
Delving into the world of olive oil tasting is a fascinating sensorial experience! Here's how to taste olive oil like experts!
April 30, 2023