Let your kitchen fill with the inviting aroma of this Date and Orange Almond Loaf—a moist, fragrant quick bread bursting with juicy dates, zesty orange, and crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as an anytime snack, this loaf brings warmth and sunshine to even the busiest of days. It’s easy enough for a beginner but layered with flavors you’d be proud to share with friends or bring to a cozy gathering. Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this date-studded classic every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Date and Orange Almond Loaf lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredient list. Each element is chosen for a reason, from the sweetness of the dates to the bright pop of citrus to those irresistible bites of almond. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters to the end result.
- Chopped pitted dates (1 cup): These bring deep caramel sweetness and a chewy, luscious texture.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): The juice tenderizes the dates and infuses the loaf with a sunny flavor.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright citrus aroma that wakes up every bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Gives the loaf richness and a soft crumb—room temperature is key for creamy mixing.
- Packed brown sugar (2/3 cup): Lends a molasses warmth that beautifully complements the dates and spices.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help the loaf rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a little comfort to the mix.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural base of your loaf—be sure to measure lightly.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures your loaf bakes up tall and fluffy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Reacts with the acid in the orange juice for extra lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A simple flavor enhancer that makes everything else pop.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): For gentle spice and comforting warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and pairs beautifully with both dates and orange zest.
- Chopped almonds (1/2 cup + extra for topping): Bring crunch and a lovely nutty flavor—you can toast them first for even more aroma.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds a little pretty finish before serving.
How to Make Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by placing your chopped dates and freshly squeezed orange juice in a small saucepan. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch as the dates plump up and soak in all that citrusy goodness—the mixture should be thick and most of the juice absorbed. Once it’s soft and sticky, stir in the orange zest to unlock even more fragrance, then set aside to cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture turns pale, creamy, and irresistibly fluffy. This step is what gives your Date and Orange Almond Loaf its beautiful texture—don’t rush! Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter light. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it one last mix to combine.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Take a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. By mixing these dry ingredients separately, you evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. This prevents clumps and ensures the loaf bakes up evenly, with just the right balance of warm spice and citrus.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry, Add Dates and Almonds
Add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing only until combined—over-mixing can toughen the loaf. Gently fold in the cooled date and orange mixture, followed by the chopped almonds. These last additions guarantee bursts of flavor and texture in every bite of your loaf.
Step 5: Pour, Top, and Bake
Scrape the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle extra chopped almonds over the batter for a crunchy, golden topping that hints at the nutty goodness inside. Place the loaf in a preheated 350°F oven, and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean from the center, it’s done! Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, and don’t forget that delicate shower of powdered sugar if you like a touch of sweetness on top.
How to Serve Date and Orange Almond Loaf
Garnishes
A loaf this lovely deserves a final flourish. Dust with powdered sugar for elegance, or scatter a few more chopped almonds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. A twist of orange zest or even thin candied orange slices are beautiful garnishes that echo the loaf’s brightest flavors.
Side Dishes
This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or a fragrant pot of black tea. If serving for brunch, pair with fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a platter of soft cheeses for a sweet-and-salty contrast on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast the loaf, then serve with a dollop of mascarpone or a swipe of salted butter. You can cube it for bite-sized treats at a tea party, or use thick slices as a base for elegant brunch toasts topped with ricotta and honey. The flavors are versatile enough for any occasion where you want to share something a little special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Date and Orange Almond Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days—just slice as needed to preserve freshness and avoid drying out.
Freezing
Planning ahead is easy with this loaf! Simply wrap the fully cooled Date and Orange Almond Loaf in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to two months. To thaw, leave the loaf at room temperature overnight, and it will taste just as delicious as the day it was baked.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked experience, warm individual slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for a few minutes. The flavors perk up, and the edges will become gently crisp—perfect with a pat of butter or your favorite spread.
FAQs
Can I substitute another nut for the almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans both work beautifully in this recipe, offering their own unique flavors and a texture similar to almonds. Just be sure to chop them roughly to maintain the delightful crunch.
Is it possible to make the loaf dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a good-quality dairy-free alternative or even coconut oil. The texture may be slightly different, but the loaf will still be moist and flavorful.
How do I know when the loaf is perfectly baked?
The best way to tell is by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the Date and Orange Almond Loaf recipe doubles very well. Simply use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking. If baking in one large pan, add a little extra baking time and check with a toothpick.
Is this loaf suitable for freezing in portions?
Definitely! Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual pieces in parchment and pop them in a freezer bag. That way you can grab a slice or two for breakfast or snacks anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that feels homemade and soul-warming yet delightfully fresh, you can’t go wrong with this Date and Orange Almond Loaf. You’ll love how it perfumes your kitchen, charms everyone lucky enough to get a slice, and fits just about any occasion. I hope you bake it soon—and that it finds a place among your all-time favorites!
Print
Date and Orange Almond Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Date and Orange Almond Loaf is a delightful combination of sweet dates, tangy orange, and crunchy almonds in a moist, fragrant loaf. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or as a snack, this loaf is easy to make and freezes well for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Dates Mixture:
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare dates mixture: Simmer dates and orange juice in a saucepan until soft. Stir in orange zest and cool.
- Mix batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately and gradually add to wet mixture. Fold in date-orange mixture and almonds.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, top with almonds, and bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.
- This loaf freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Enjoy slices toasted with butter for breakfast or tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
