Citrus Date Nut Bread

Orange-Date Loaves Recipe

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 16

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful world of quick breads with our Orange-Date Loaves recipe, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the sweetness of dates, the zesty kick of oranges, and the crunchy goodness of pecans and walnuts. Ideal for large groups or a cozy family gathering, these loaves are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together. 🍞✨

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup eggs (approximately 3 large eggs)
• 1/2 cup dates, finely chopped
• 2 cups mixed nuts (1 cup pecans, 1 cup walnuts), chopped

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 284.5
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.1g
• Cholesterol: 26.4mg
• Sodium: 167.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 49.7g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Sugar: 23.6g
• Protein: 5g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease two 8″x4″x2″ loaf pans.

2. Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give it a gentle stir.

3. Wet Ingredients:

   • In another mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of eggs, 1/2 cup of thawed orange juice concentrate, oil, and 1-1/2 cups water until well combined.

4. Combine and Fold:

   • Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined.
   • Fold in the finely chopped dates and the delightful medley of pecans and walnuts.

5. Pan and Bake:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean.
   • For smaller loaves, divide the batter among four 5-1/2″x3″x2″ pans and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

6. Cooling:

   • Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then gently remove them.

7. Orange Infusion:

   • Brush the tops and sides of the loaves generously with the remaining orange juice concentrate. This adds a burst of citrusy flavor!

8. Final Touch:

   • Cool the loaves completely on wire racks. For optimal flavor, wrap and store them overnight before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Cooking Time Breakdown:

Tips and Variations:

• For an extra citrusy kick, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for a personalized touch.
• Serve the slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Conclusion:

Crafted with love, our Orange-Date Loaves are more than just a bread recipe; they’re a celebration of flavors and a journey into the heart of baking. Share the joy with friends and family, and let each bite transport you to a world of sweetness and warmth. Happy baking! 🍊🍰