Grandmother’s Date Bread Recipe (Vintage Recipe)

Grandmother's Date Bread Recipe (Vintage Recipe)

If you've never tried date bread, this is the best date bread recipe out there. You know when it's grandma's recipe, it's gonna be a good one! The best part about this bread is that it's so moist and sweet that it doesn't even need added sugar. Mix up a loaf, slather on some melty butter and try not to eat it all in one sitting. It's that good!

Why I Love This Date Bread Recipe

You will find dates in many historical recipes (like honey date squares, Italian date nut bars, or old-fashioned fruit and nut candy) when white and brown sugar was scarce. 

Grandma's date bread recipe was born during one of these times due to war rationing. Inventive homemakers would look for other ways to sweeten baked goods by using dried fruits such as dates. 

• Healthy Sugar Alternative – Although sugar is not scarce today, I love using dates because, in addition to their sweetness, they provide fiber, prebiotics, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K, and magnesium. What other sweetener in your pantry contains all of that?



• Sweet Treat – This date loaf recipe comes right from my grandmother's recipe box. Dates play a starring role, and the bread is sweet enough that you would never know it doesn't include sugar! 



• Versatile – The bread is delicious on its own for breakfast or a snack (slathered in butter) or served alongside a meal. My husband particularly enjoys this bread alongside a plateful of baked beans.

Date Bread Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this date bread recipe is that it was originally developed to incorporate whatever is available. Date bread can be adapted in several ways.

• Gluten-Free – I have successfully made a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one. I have also added baking powder to the original recipe to improve the rise of the bread. Learn more about gluten-free baking in Successful Gluten-Free Baking That Tastes Good.



• Dairy-Free – Because this recipe does not use milk, it can be easily converted to dairy-free. Just swap the butter for a mild-tasting oil such as coconut or avocado oil.



• Nuts – To give your loaf a crunchy texture, substitute chopped walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts or pecans for the raisins.



• Spices – Date loaf is complemented by a variety of spices. Feel free to add your favorites, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.



• Extracts – Try using maple, almond, orange or vanilla extract for a new depth of flavor.

Date Bread Recipe

Supplies Needed

• Saucepan – You can use your saucepan to prepare your dates and double as a bowl for mixing the remainder of your wet ingredients.



• Fork – You can use a pastry cutter or mini food processor to blend your dates, but a fork is really all you need.



• Bowl – A medium-sized mixing bowl works well to combine your dry ingredients together.



• Spatula – A silicone spatula or wooden spoon works great to incorporate all your ingredients without overmixing them.



• Loaf Pan – The ideal dimensions for your loaf pan are 6.5" x 4" x 2", but you can use a standard 9" x 5" bread pan and just reduce the baking time.

Ingredients Needed

• Water – You will need one cup of water to soften the dates and an additional ½ cup of water to mix with the wet ingredients.



• Dates – Any type of date works great for this recipe. Deglet Noor and Medjool seem to be the easiest to find.



• Baking Soda – The acid in the dates will help activate the baking soda to give your date bread lift.



• Butter – You can substitute coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free version.



• Flour – You can use all-purpose flour or, for gluten free, substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend. 



• Baking Powder – Baking powder works together with the baking soda as a leavening agent. Always check the expiration date on your baking soda to make sure it's fresh.



• Raisins – If you prefer date nut bread, you can substitute your favorite chopped nuts in place of raisins.



• Egg – For best results, bring your egg to room temperature and whisk it before adding it to the date mixture.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Pour 1 cup water into a small pot and bring to a boil.



2. To the boiling water, stir in dates, soda, and butter.



3. Reduce heat, and simmer until dates are very soft, about 20 minutes.



4. Use a fork to mash the date mixture into a paste. (It does not need to be perfectly smooth.) Set aside to cool.



5. Combine flour, baking powder and raisins in a separate bowl.



6. When dates have cooled, stir in beaten egg and ½ cup hot water.



7. Add flour to the date mixture and stir until combined.



8. Pour into a well-greased 6.5" x 4" x 2" loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 45 – 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.



9. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.



10. A standard-sized loaf pan can also be used but will create a flat loaf. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes.

Storage/Reheating Info

If you have any leftovers, your date bread can last up to 5 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator. Allow the bread to cool completely, and wrap it in plastic wrap or seal it in an airtight container.

If you want your date bread to last longer, seal it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months.

Did you make this date bread recipe? If so, please leave a star ⭐ rating and your comments in the recipe card below (this really helps me out)... then, snap a photo and tag me on social media @melissaknorris so I can see! I love getting a glimpse of what you all make in your kitchens.

FAQ's

What is the best way to store date bread?

Wrap your date bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for a week. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of nuts in the date bread recipe?

Yes, you can! Try chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios for a unique taste. 

What can I do if my date bread turns out dense or dry?

If your bread is dense or dry, there are a few fixes. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough crumb. Use fresh, quality ingredients and don't overbake. If it's still a problem, add a bit of milk or water to the batter.

Can I substitute the dates in the recipe with something else?

Yes, you can swap dates for other dried fruits like figs, apricots, or raisins. Just adjust the amount based on their sweetness and moisture.

How long will the date bread stay fresh?

Date bread stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Always wrap it tightly to keep it moist.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Chocolate Zucchini Muffins



• Honey Date Squares



• Italian Date Nut Bars



• Historical Dried Fruit & Nut Candy



• Sourdough Chocolate Bread



• Healthy Pumpkin Muffins 

   

Print

Grandmother's Date Bread Recipe

If you've never tried date bread, this is the best date bread recipe out there. You know when it's grandma's recipe, it's gonna be a good one! The best part about this bread is that it's so moist and sweet that it doesn't even need added sugar. Mix up a loaf, slather on some melty butter and try not to eat it all in one sitting. It's that good!

Course bread, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Date Bread, Date Bread Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 10 slices

Calories 158kcal

Author Melissa Norris

Cost varies

Equipment

• Sauce Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups/Spoons
• Fork
• Loaf Pan

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dates
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour can also use a gluten-free flour blend
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 egg well beaten
• ½ cup hot water

Instructions

• Pour 1 cup water into a small pot and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, stir in dates, soda, and butter.
• Reduce heat, and simmer until dates are very soft, about 20 minutes.
• Use a fork to mash date mixture into a paste. It does not need to be perfectly smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Combine flour, baking powder and raisins in a separate bowl.
• When dates have cooled, stir in beaten egg and ½ cup hot water.
• Add flour to date mixture and stir until combined.
• Pour into a well-greased 6.5" x 4" x 2" loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees F for 45 – 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

Notes

* A standard-sized loaf pan can also be used but will create a flatter loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Storage/Reheating Info

If you have any leftovers, your date bread can last up to 5 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator. Allow the bread to cool completely, and wrap it in plastic wrap or seal it in an airtight container.

If you want your date bread to last longer, seal it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

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Source: Grandmother's Date Bread Recipe (Vintage Recipe)