Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda in a bowl. Let sit to soften.
- Zest and juice the orange, setting aside both.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add the orange zest and juice, then stir in the softened dates and soaking liquid.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds if using.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or allspice for extra warmth.
- Use chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for a GF version.
- Top with an orange glaze for a sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
