Wonderful Date and Nut Mini Loaf Breads 🍞✨
Description: Prepare yourself for a delightful treat with these Wonderful Date and Nut Mini Loaf Breads! This easy-to-follow recipe produces four mini loaves that are perfect for sharing or freezing for later. Whether you enjoy the rich sweetness of dates or prefer a festive twist with candied cherries, this recipe offers versatile options to suit any occasion. Ideal for quick gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat, these mini loaves will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Recipe Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped (or replace with raisins or candied cherries for a festive touch)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking these mini loaves to a perfect golden-brown.
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Prepare the Pans: Grease four 6×3-inch mini loaf pans thoroughly. Ensuring they are well-greased will help the loaves release easily after baking.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice. This step combines and aerates the ingredients, which is essential for a light and airy loaf.
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Prepare the Fruit and Nuts: In a separate small bowl, toss 1 cup of chopped pitted dates and 1 cup of chopped pecans with 1/4 cup of the sifted flour mixture. This coating helps to distribute the dates and nuts evenly throughout the batter.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (if using), mixing well for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 2/3 cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overmixing.
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Incorporate Dates and Nuts: Gently fold in the dates and pecans coated with flour into the batter by hand. This ensures that the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Fill the Pans: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 full.
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Bake the Loaves: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the mini loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these delightful mini loaves are ready to be enjoyed or stored for later.
Estimated Servings: Approximately 32 mini loaf slices.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 126
- Fat: 5.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 21.6mg
- Sodium: 79.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1.9g
Enjoy these Wonderful Date and Nut Mini Loaf Breads as a delightful treat for yourself or a charming gift for friends and family. Whether you savor them fresh from the oven or enjoy them at a later date, these loaves are sure to be a hit! 🌟🍰
