Date Nut Bread Recipe: A Nostalgic Slice of Sweet & Nutty Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about slicing into a warm, dense loaf of homemade date nut bread. Growing up, this was the recipe that brought everyone to the kitchen—the earthy aroma of toasted walnuts and the caramelly sweetness of softened dates filled the house. I remember my grandmother would wrap slices in wax paper and tuck them into my lunchbox with a handwritten note. That memory lives rent-free in my heart.

Now, living just outside Asheville, North Carolina, with a garden overflowing with wild mint and a pantry stocked with baking staples, I find myself craving those classic flavors more often. This date nut bread recipe is tender, slightly chewy, and rich with natural sweetness—perfect with coffee, a pat of butter, or just on its own. It’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal bake for any day of the week.

Whether you’re revisiting a cherished family recipe or discovering this classic for the first time, this date nut bread recipe will quickly become a staple. And don’t worry—no complicated steps or fancy equipment here, just simple ingredients and a reliable loaf pan.

By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to make the perfect date nut bread, how to store it properly, why it’s surprisingly wholesome, and ways to add more nutty variations. Along the way, you’ll find helpful internal tips like how this loaf compares to our cinnamon donut bread and how to adapt it using ideas from our ezekiel bread recipe.

Ingredients for the Best Date Nut Bread

Everything you need for a moist and nutty loaf

Here’s a quick glance at the wholesome ingredients that make this date nut bread recipe so irresistibly good:

The mix of chopped dates and toasted walnuts adds both texture and rich flavor. You can also swap walnuts for pecans if you’re inspired by recipes like our cranberry walnut bread or get creative like in our banana bread hawaiian style by adding shredded coconut.

Instructions for a Moist Date Nut Loaf

A simple step-by-step guide that anyone can follow

Making this date nut bread recipe is as easy as it is rewarding. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy tools—just two bowls and a loaf pan. The magic comes from letting the chopped dates soak in boiling water and baking soda, which softens them and releases their deep, almost caramel flavor. This step is key and adds that unmistakable richness you’ll crave again and again.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. To soften the dates, combine them with baking soda in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over them. Stir and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This softens the fruit and creates that signature texture.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
4. Add brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla to the bowl with the soaked dates to make the wet mixture. Stir well until everything is combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients slowly and mix. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
6. Carefully mix in the chopped walnuts. Expect the batter to be thick and somewhat lumpy.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean for 50 to 60 minutes
8. Cool & slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

We love pairing a warm slice with cinnamon butter, just like we do with our banana muffins. For a naturally sweet breakfast, you can even spread it with almond butter and top with banana slices.

Is Date Nut Bread Healthy? Let’s Break It Down

A surprisingly wholesome treat with natural sweetness

You might be wondering—is date nut bread healthy? The answer depends on how you define healthy, but overall, this loaf offers more benefits than you’d expect from something so satisfyingly sweet.

Thanks to the naturally occurring sugars in dates, you get deep flavor without the need for refined white sugar. Dates are loaded with fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Their chewy texture also helps bind the loaf together, much like bananas do in our banana bread recipe Hawaii-style.

And let’s not forget the walnuts. They aren’t just there for crunch—they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Even a small handful can boost heart health and brain function.

Sure, this loaf does contain brown sugar and butter, but those amounts are balanced and optional to adjust. You can even substitute:

• Applesauce for butter (in equal parts)
• Coconut sugar for brown sugar
• Whole wheat flour for a boost of fiber

Many readers compare it to our ezekiel bread recipe, another heart-healthy option packed with ancient grains—but let’s be real, the date nut version is where sweet and satisfying meet rustic goodness.

If you’re on the hunt for more protein-forward breads, we love how recipes like flourless cottage cheese bread and banana cottage cheese muffins balance flavor with nutrition.

Nutrition per slice (1 of 10):

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g (mostly from dates)

So yes, this date nut bread recipe may be sweet, but it earns its place as a wholesome indulgence. With mindful tweaks, it can easily become a regular part of your breakfast or snack lineup.

How Long Does Date Nut Bread Last? Storage & Freezing Tips

Keep it fresh, moist, and ready for the week (or longer!)

One of the best things about this date nut bread recipe—besides how good it tastes—is how well it holds up over time. It actually tastes better on Day 2 as the flavors deepen and the moisture redistributes. But how long does date nut bread last? Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

Here’s your complete guide to keeping every last slice as perfect as the first.

Room Temperature Storage (Best for Short-Term)
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.

• Shelf life: Up to 3 days
• Tip: Keep it on the counter away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid refrigerating at this stage—it can dry out the crumb.

Refrigerator Storage (Great for Warm Climates)
To store it, wrap the loaf or slices tightly and place them in a sealed container.

• Shelf life: Up to 7 days
• Tip: Bring slices to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive softness.

Freezing Date Nut Bread (Best for Make-Ahead)
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf, wrap each slice individually in parchment or wax paper, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Shelf life: 2 to 3 months
• Tip: To thaw, just leave slices out on the counter for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven for 5–6 minutes at 300°F.

If you’ve tried freezing baked goods like our cranberry walnut bread, you’ll find this date nut bread performs just as well, with no compromise in taste or texture. The nuts retain their crunch, and the dates stay sticky-sweet.

Planning for a batch baking day? Pair this loaf with protein-packed recipes like cottage cheese cloud bread for a smart freezer stash.

Quick Recap for Shelf Life:

Now that your bread’s safely tucked away, let’s wrap things up with your FAQs and a brief conclusion.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Date Nut Bread

Is date nut bread healthy?
Yes, it can be! Dates are a natural source of sugar, fiber, and antioxidants, while walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. You can make it even healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar slightly, or replacing butter with unsweetened applesauce. It’s not a “diet food,” but it’s far from empty calories.

How to make a date loaf easy?
Soak chopped dates in hot water and baking soda to soften them, then mix them with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and egg. Use separate bowls for the wet and dry ingredients—no need for a mixer. This date nut bread recipe is beginner-friendly and takes just minutes to prepare.

How long does date nut bread last?
It stays fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, and can be frozen for 2–3 months. Wrap it tightly to maintain moisture and flavor. Reheat individual slices for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

How to make nutty bread?
Start with a basic recipe like banana bread, date bread, or whole grain bread. Then, add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Lightly toasting the nuts before folding them in enhances flavor and texture. This technique works beautifully in this loaf and in recipes like marble rye bread.

Conclusion: A Slice of Home in Every Bite

This date nut bread recipe is more than a sweet treat—it’s a nostalgic nod to handwritten recipes, Sunday baking, and quiet morning moments. With its rich flavor, soft texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a loaf you’ll return to over and over again. Whether you’re serving it warm with butter, toasting slices from the freezer, or pairing it with coffee, every bite carries a bit of comfort.

And for more creative baking ideas, explore banana bread Hawaii or cottage cheese bread alternatives that turn tradition on its head.