Description
Grandma’s Vintage Date Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining the natural sweetness of dates and raisins with a tender, lightly spiced batter. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, this recipe uses simple ingredients and traditional simmering and baking techniques to create a nostalgic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dried Fruit and Liquid Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dates
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can also use a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup raisins
Other Ingredients
- 1 egg, well beaten
- ½ cup hot water
Instructions
- Boil water and soften dates: Pour 1 cup water into a small pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in dates, baking soda, and butter. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the dates are very soft and well broken down.
- Mash date mixture: Use a fork to mash the softened dates into a paste. It does not need to be perfectly smooth. Set aside the mixture to cool completely.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine cooled dates with egg and water: When the date mixture has cooled, stir in the well-beaten egg and ½ cup of hot water, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the date mixture and stir until just combined to form a batter.
- Prepare baking pan and bake: Pour the batter into a well-greased 6.5” x 4” x 2” loaf pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- A standard-sized loaf pan can be used but will produce a flatter loaf; in that case, bake for 35-40 minutes.
- To store leftovers, keep the bread at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
